Fast Break: Buckeyes lose the No. 1 spot, ’Cats split with Bruins

A duck in a Willamette jersey about to score a goal on the soccer field while the crowd cheers behind them. Art by Wes Mowry-Silverman.

Hello, Bearcat Fan! Finals are almost over, which means that this is the last Fast Break of the fall semester. Rats! When we return, I will no longer be a NARP and also have to keep in mind far more conflicts of interest when writing these. Lots to look forward to. Anyway, slow week in Bearcat sports once more, so let’s get the news over with!

Women’s basketball resumes their losing streak after dropping a game to the George Fox Bruins 63-78 on Dec. 5 in Newberg. Curse you, Fox!

Men’s basketball, on the other hand, put up a solid performance over the Bruins, winning 81-61.

In the wider world of sport: The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship, which means one thing: the Buckeyes are no longer No. 1 in NCAA Football! Everyone, cheer! Playoffs are set for CFP, and the Ducks are No. 5, which means they play James Madison at home on Dec. 20. I don’t want to talk about the NFL. 

In the coming weeks: After a weeklong break, basketball returns to regular play while we non-hoopers sleep soundly, enjoying our winter breaks. Women’s basketball plays Oregon Tech at home on Dec. 14 and then heads down to southern California to play Occidental and Cal Lutheran. Men’s basketball stays in beautiful Salem, facing the Northwest Indian School at home on Dec. 15 and then Asbury on Dec. 18.

I have been informed by my editor that the Men’s World Cup Group Round has been announced. I forgot that was happening. The United States drew Group D, with Australia and Paraguay, and our glorious leader and FIFA Peace Prize Winner Donald John Trump has assured us our toughest potential opponents are the Turks. USA! USA! 

Anyway. Good luck to our ’Cats, and I hope everyone else has a good winter break! I might, depending on how the Ducks and Bears do for the remainder of the season. It’s not looking good so far. Please pray for me in these hard times.