By Chris McCree
Sports Editor
During a tough 72-67 loss to the Loyola Greyhounds on Dec. 28, Mike Muscala ’13 netted his 1,000th career point, making him the 34th player in program history to reach the milestone. Muscala finished the game with 24 total points with his 1,000th coming off of a second-half free throw.
“It’s a special achievement and it puts me in the company of some the best players to have ever played here,” Muscala said.
Throughout his career, the junior center has been praised not only for his ability to put up big numbers in the scoring column, but also his great rebounding capability and stout defensive presence. On top of his 1,000 points, Muscala has racked up more than 500 rebounds and 150 blocks halfway through his third season, making him just the third person in Patriot League history with these credentials.
“Mike overall is our best player on the team,” teammate Bryan Cohen ’12 said. “He is the hardest worker and makes sure everyone on the team is working their hardest at every practice, which has allowed us to be so successful.”
Starting his collegiate career in 2009, Muscala has quickly established himself as an elite player in the Patriot League. As a first-year, Muscala was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team and became just the fourth player in league history to be named to the All-Patriot League Team as a rookie. Muscala earned Patriot League Player of the Year last year after leading the Orange and Blue to their first league championship since 2006.
“Mike has improved every aspect of his game from his freshman year,” Cohen said. “His improved strength has allowed him to become a dominant force in the post and on the glass and has increased his overall confidence on the offensive floor. I believe he has established himself as hands down the best player in the league.”
This season, Muscala has picked up where he left off, averaging a team-high 15.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His consistently strong play has allowed the Bison to open Patriot League play at 5-0 with key wins against Lafayette and Lehigh, giving them an early edge in their quest to defend as league champs.
“Before I graduate, I want two more league championships. I’m confident we can do it if we take it one game at a time,” Muscala said. “And if we do make it back to the NCAA tournament, I want to win games.”
After becoming league champions last season, the Bison fell in the first round of the NCAA tournament to eventual champion UConn. To earn another tournament bid, the Orange and Blue will have to continue its dominant league play for the remainder of their regular season and hope to once again earn home-court advantage for the Patriot League tournament. On Saturday, the Orange and Blue will complete their first half of league play against the Midshipmen in Annapolis.
