Fighting Bees on track for tournament

Feb. 24, 2005
By Dan Tomlin
Sports Editor

For a team that was selected before the conference season to finish fifth, alone atop the conference standings at the end of the year is sweet vindication.

This year's Fighting Bee squad was one that was written off before the season had started as a losing bunch.  A group of kids with no chance to duplicate the accomplishments of a season ago.  It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Coach Ray and the Fighting Bees.

Someone forgot to tell the players that.

The St. Ambrose University Fighting Bees attached to conference schedule with reckless abandon, and though they took their lumps, found themselves once again alone atop the Midwest Classic  Conference standings with not only their fourth consecutive conference championship, but also home court advantage throughout the MCC tournament.

The Fighting Bees went into last Saturday's matchup against Mt. Mercy with one thing on their minds; win this game and capture a conference title.

The Fighting Bees did just that, winning 85-73.  In the contest there were a combined 60 free throws, with SAU cashing in more times than the Mustangs. 

Seniors Nick Ferreria and Ryan Johnson each played their final regular season conference game scoring 20 points each.  For the two seniors they ended their careers with a fourth conference crown.

During the second half when the game was in the balance it wasn't Johnson or Ferreria who were called upon.  Rather, Ante Juric and Mike Steigerwald provided the offensive spark in the late going to propel the Bees to their victory.

Steigerwald came off the bench and quickly made his presence felt by draining two three-pointers on consecutive trips down the court.  He would add another bucket for eight straight points on his way to 13 for the game.

At one point Mt. Mercy was bringing a late charge and trying to cut it to single digits when Ante Juric drained a three at the top of the key to seal the deal for the second straight game.  Juric's three point shooting has reached 49% and he finished the season ranked second in the conference in that category.

Juric also put the nail in the coffin with a three-pointer in the same spot at the top of the key against Iowa Wesleyan last Wednesday.

With the win the Fighting Bees go into the conference tournament ranked number one, and will host the Franciscan University of the Prairies in the first round, and should the
Bees win it would give them home court advantage for the final four, and give Coach Ray another 20 win season.  It would be his 14.

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