Basketball Recap: Columbus Takes a Loss

Columbus lost against Lincoln Northeast back in December of 2023 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Columbus Discoverers fell 75-65 to the Lincoln Northeast Rockets. While losing is never fun, the Discoverers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 173rd, while the Rockets are ranked 29th).

Despite the loss, Columbus saw an underclassman step up: freshman Jaxson Vasicek went 9 of 15 on his way to 22 points and eight rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Vasicek has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Quinn Freshour, who posted 16 points and five rebounds.

Even though they lost, Columbus smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive rebound total in three consecutive matches.

Lincoln Northeast's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Lazerek Houston, who went 13 of 23 on his way to 32 points along with five rebounds and five steals. That makes it seven consecutive games in which Houston has scored at least a third of Lincoln Northeast's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Mowafag Abdalla, who dropped a double-double on 21 points and ten boards.

Columbus' defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Lincoln Northeast, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 7-3 record this season.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Columbus will host Millard North at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Millard North's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last three games. As for Lincoln Northeast, they will face off against Norfolk at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Lincoln Northeast is facing Norfolk at the right time seeing as Norfolk is stuck on a three-game losing streak.