The John Brown University basketball teams return to Bill George Arena on Thursday for their first home games of the 2015 year. And if it feels like it's been a while since either team has played a home game, that's because it has been a while.
For the JBU men in particular, the sight of their home court and fans ought to be a pleasant one.
The Golden Eagles haven't played on their home court since Dec. 6, when they blew a 28-point halftime lead against Oklahoma Baptist, only to defeat the Bison 78-77 on a last-second shot by senior Max Hopfgartner. In the seven games since then -- all away from Bill George Arena -- the Golden Eagles have gone 1-6 overall with their one win coming at Texas Wesleyan last Thursday.
The JBU women, meanwhile, haven't played a home game since Dec. 11 when the Golden Eagles defeated Ecclesia 65-27.
In the four Sooner Athletic Conference road games since then, JBU is 2-2.
Both teams' games against Southwestern Christian on Thursday at home are extremely important.
Well, all conference games are really important, but with both teams struggling to stay above water in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, any wins they can get are important.
At this point, the JBU men (11-7, 3-3) are behind five other teams in the conference standings, while the JBU women (7-10, 2-4) have six teams in front of them.
Yes it's still early in the conference season, but neither team wants to fall too far behind in the race.
Now here's some good news.
Following Thursday's home games, the Golden Eagles go back on the road Saturday at Wayland Baptist. But after that seven of their next eight games are at Bill George Arena.
A long stretch of home games from late January to mid-February may just be what the doctor ordered for both teams.
Super Bowl set
We don't delve into the realm of pro athletics much in this space, but I'll say a few words about the Super Bowl matchup, which was set Sunday night as the Seattle Seahawks rallied to stun the Green Bay Packers while the New England Patriots ripped the Indianapolis Colts.
It's Seattle's Legion of Boom defense against the legend, Tom Brady.
It's Seattle vs. Boston. It's coffee vs. tea.
It's ... not the matchup that I wanted.
I was hoping we'd see the Dallas Cowboys in this game. I'm sure many of you feel the same way.
Sure it's water under the bridge now, but I believe Dez Bryant made that catch in the fourth quarter against Green Bay two weeks ago, and you'll never convince me otherwise.
And if taking three long steps and reaching for the goal line with the football isn't a football move, then I don't know what is.
-- Graham Thomas is the managing editor for the Herald-Leader. He can be reached at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Sports on 01/21/2015