Basketball Recap: Freeburg Takes a Loss

Freeburg was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took a blow against the Columbia Eagles, falling 65-36. While losing is never fun, the Midgets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 421st, while the Eagles are ranked 73rd).

Freeburg's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Matt Pluff, who posted nine points. Austin Klees also deserves some recognition as he posted his first assists of the season.

Leading Columbia to victory were Eddie Smajic and Sam Donald. Smajic had 22 points, while Donald put up 20 points. With that strong performance, Smajic is now averaging an impressive 16 points per game. Another player making a difference was Brody Landgraf, who scored 14 points.

Freeburg's defeat dropped their record down to 5-10. As for Columbia, their victory bumped their record up to 12-4.

Freeburg didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next match, a 57-44 win against Red Bud on the 14th. As for Columbia, they will take on East Alton-Wood River at 7:30 p.m. on January 17th. Columbia is facing East Alton-Wood River at the right time seeing as East Alton-Wood River is stuck on a 12-game losing streak.