For the week ending February 14, 2004
Men's Basketball Team
The Lawrence University men's basketball team earns the honor this week after clinching the Midwest Conference championship this past Saturday. The Vikings controlled their own destiny when Carroll College visited on Saturday, and Lawrence didn't disappoint the overflow crowd at Alexander Gymnasium with a 76-63 victory over the Pioneers. The win clinched the MWC title and the right to host the conference tournament on Feb. 27-28. This is Lawrence's first MWC championship since 1997 and the second in John Tharp's 10 seasons as head coach. Lawrence also won MWC titles in 1925 and 1943. Reserve Kyle MacGillis led Lawrence with 15 points, and Rob Nenahlo added 13 points. Chris Braier had his 11th double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Dan Evans added 11 points for Lawrence. Lawrence (18-3, 12-2 MWC) went on a 9-0 run late in the first half and pulled away to a 40-25 lead at the half. Carroll trimmed the lead to nine points twice early in the second half, but Lawrence responded with an 8-0 run to lead 56-39 with 12:04 left. Lawrence built that lead to as many as 24 points and cruised to the win from there.
