Calvin Univ. knocks Johnnies from tournament

The Johnnie basketball squad lost a tough matchup against Calvin (Mich.) in the first round of the DIII NCAA tournament.

The March 4 game in Platteville, Wis., saw the team fall 77-71.

The Johnnies out-boarded the Knights 35-25 but giving up 16 points on ten turnovers kept SJU from advancing to the second round where they would’ve faced UW-Platteville on their home court. A half-time tie gave way to a 16-3 Calvin run, which came on the back of SJU committing the first six fouls of the second half.

The Johnnies then suffered at the free throw line. SJU entered the tournament averaging 13.7 fouls per game but were called for 26 this game, tying the program record for most fouls committed in a game. Calvin capitalized on those chances, shooting 85.7% from the free throw line, including an 18 for 20 run during the second half.

The first-round-out comes at the hands of a powerful program, which lost by just 12 points to DI Eastern Michigan in a scrimmage last year.

Calvin trailed most of that game by less than eight, demonstrating their ability to play competitive basketball at the highest level.

Senior Zach Hanson recorded a double-double in his final game as a Johnnie en route to receiving D3hoops and National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region honors.

Hanson ended the year averaging 11.5 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists per game.

“It’s definitely something cool to receive. I was looking at the other guys listed, and it’s cool to be recognized with some great players who also received the award,” Hanson said.

The Johnnies are a young team with multiple underclassmen playing roles on the team.

Those underclassmen gained experience during the Johnnies’ postseason run, something they hope will lead to more success in the future.