CREDIT: MEGAN MCPHADEN
Fanshawe’s Andrew McIntosh (#21) drives to net versus the Humber Hawks.

Fanshawe's men's basketball team has been handed some tough breaks as of late. Having dropped two games in the past weeks to the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association West fourth-ranked Humber Hawks and the number one ranked Sheridan Bruins, the Falcons have lost their momentum.

The Falcons have been missing some key players in recent games due to injuries: guard Kyle McConell, centre Darcy Young and forward Joel Williams, were absent in their game against the Bruins. The Falcons ended up getting thrashed by the top-ranked Bruins on February 2, with a final score of 81-63, however it wasn't for their lack of trying. “Because of injuries, we have to play through the mental toughness,” said head coach Tony Marcotullio. “We're not doing that very well right now, but I'd rather lose these games now than later on in the playoffs.”

Point Guard Boyd Vassell, who averages 17 points per game, was shut down against their loss to the Bruins and was only able to accumulate 10 points. The Falcons were silent the majority of the game, being out-shot in the fourth quarter 30-20.

Injuries are taking a toll on their players' stamina. Vassell clocked almost 40 minutes of game time against Sheridan and against Humber on January 30. For any player, playing at a high intensity level throughout the game makes it difficult to maintain a fast pace.

“Fatigue played a huge part in our loss against Humber; we were playing guys too long,” said Marcotullio.

The Falcons had a hot start to their 2012/13 season, winning five straight games before being defeated by the Algoma Thunderbirds. This came on the heels of legendary coach Glenn Johnston, the OCAA's longest-serving coach, passing his torch to Marcotullio. Marcotullio had great success with high school basketball and is a former Laurier Goldenhawk player. He took the team's reins determined to come out from under the shadow of Johnston.

Fanshawe finished off last season with a 12 win and six loss record. Marcotullio will be looking to improve on that with the Falcons' current 12 wins, four losses. With four more games left in the regular season and the hopeful return of their key starters, this is their opportunity to improve their third-place OCAA ranking and try for a medal again in Provincials. Last year was bronze; will it be gold this year?

The Falcons' next game will be at home against the Redeemer Royals on February 13 at 8:30 p.m.