The Exeter-Milligan/Friend Bobcats's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fifth straight loss. They took a 44-40 hit to the loss column at the hands of Nebraska Lutheran. While losing is never fun, Exeter-Milligan/Friend can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 207th, while Nebraska Lutheran is ranked 95th).
When it comes to explaining why Exeter-Milligan/Friend lost, one person who can't be blamed is Malorie Staskal. Despite the final result, she dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten rebounds. That's the first time this season that Staskal scored 15 or more points. The team also got some help courtesy of Taylin Schluter, who scored eight points.
Even though they lost, Exeter-Milligan/Friend were smashing the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Nebraska Lutheran only pulled down 19 offensive rebounds.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Nebraska Lutheran to victory, but perhaps none more so than Rebecca Hueske, who scored 17 points along with three steals. Hueske is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Marissa Endorf, who scored eight points along with seven rebounds and three blocks.
Exeter-Milligan/Friend's loss dropped their record down to 1-5. As for Nebraska Lutheran, the win was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 4-1.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Exeter-Milligan/Friend won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Lawrence-Nelson at 6:00 p.m. on December 15th. Nebraska Lutheran won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Weeping Water at 6:00 p.m. on December 15th. Hopefully Weeping Water focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 14 on Thursday.
