On Feb. 1, men’s hoops hosted their rival, Biola, in the Eagles Nest for an electric and highly anticipated match up. After securing the rivalry win earlier in their season, the Green and Gold fell short to Biola after a thrilling and fiery game, finishing 59-69. As their season's end is almost in sight, the currently ranked No. 6 Golden Eagles are still hungry for more.  

"The guys on the team understand that when hardships arise we have to rely on each other even  more," said graduate student Tim Adetukasi. "We are always being intentional about making the choice to stay together and battle through the hardships with our brothers on the team."  

Adetukasi leads the team with 276 points, 127 rebounds and 37 steals. As a new addition to the team this year, Adetukasi has settled into the Golden Eagle family through the strong brotherhood and team culture.  

Adetukasi's leadership on the court would not be possible without his teammates, as this group has created an incredible team culture. "One of our captains, Connor Gleason, always reminds us that we get to make a choice every time we step on the court, and it always resonates with every guy on the team," said Adetukasi.  

Senior Connor Gleason has been the glue for this team during the last four years. Gleason said, "We've been playing really hard and together, practices are heavily centered around competing and dealing with fatigue.” Gleason is always ready to support and show up for his teammates "THRU IT ALL."  

Senior Kobe Sanders has 218 points and is leading with 56 assists and 41 three-pointers. Sanders said, "The most important qualities that stand out about this team is how we are going to put in one hundred percent effort no matter what."  

"Accountability has been a point of focus," said Adetukasi, "creating a space where each member of the team can call each other up to the standard we know they can all perform at." 

This shared team-oriented mindset sets the Golden Eagles apart from their opponents. "If we don't stick together when things don't go our way, it will only hurt us," said Sanders.  

Freshman Charlie Dalton has been a reliable tool as the starting forward in all 18 games, with a total of 166 points and 107 rebounds. "What we've been doing successfully this season is simply playing tough and playing together," said Dalton. "I think it's obvious the standout quality of this team is our culture. It is our togetherness and respect for one another that is allowing us to  succeed."  

As the Golden Eagles enter their final stretch of the season, their focus is dialed in. "We have been good at moving on from adversity," said Sanders. "We have seen our best, and we have seen our worst, so as the season begins to wind down, we are locked in on continually performing at the level we know we can," said Adetukasi.  

Men's basketball packed their jerseys and their snorkels and are currently in Hawai’i to face  Chaminade, Hawai'i Pacific and Hawai'i Hilo. To catch the last game of their trip against Hawai’i Hilo on Feb. 10, visit cuigoldeneagles.com to tune in to the live-stream at 9 p.m. PST.  

Dalton said, "If we bring our best energy and stay focused every night for 40 minutes, I believe we can beat anyone in this league."  

Tags: Alexander Carr, sports, Men's Athletics

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