(Photo by Marky) The team huddles up before the second half. Lane lost Wednesday’s game 76-75.
After an exciting 10-2 start to the season the Lane Community College men’s basketball team has slipped to an 11-10 record. The Titans are 2-8 in conference play, and currently sit in eighth place. Fighting to land the final spot in this year’s playoffs, Lane only has six games remaining in the regular season. The Titans are four games behind Portland who currently sits in fourth place, and holds the final spot in the tournament.
After a disappointing 19 point loss to Umpqua on Wednesday in Roseburg, the Titans will look to bounce back at home against the playoff bound Clackamas Cougars (20-2, 9-1) Saturday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m.
(Photo by Selina Scott) Freshmen Ty Horner shoots a layup during the second half of the men’s Wednesday game against Chemeketa. Homer got 38 points for Lane ending the game with a lose for lane at 102-94. 
(Photo by Selina Scott) Point guard Tashon Brown looks for an open pass in the second half of the Lane v. Chemeketa game Wednesday. 
(Photo by Selina Scott) Dominic McGarvey guards the ball while looking for an open pass during Lanes game Wednesday. McGarvey scored 4 points for Lane, Chemeketa took the win with 102-94. 
(Photo by Selina Scott) Jesse Hubbe, a sophomore guard for Lane, shoots his fifth three-point shot during Wednesday’s game virus Chemeketa. Hubbe is eighth in the south conference for three-point shots and ninth overall.
Although conference play has not been friendly to the Titans, they are among the top 10 scoring offenses in the Northwest Athletic Conference. The Titans are putting up over 88 points a night, led by Sophomore guard Rodney Hounshell, who is averaging 19.3 points per game. Along with his nearly 20 points, Hounshell is averaging 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and has collected six double-doubles over the course of the season.
Alongside Hounshell, the Titans have a pair of stellar freshmen that have played significant roles this year.
Point guard Isaac Lange is averaging 10.8 points per game, shooting over 52% from the field and 39% from three point range. Center Ty Horner has had a formidable freshman season of his own averaging 14.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and blocking 1.5 shots per game. The Titans’ 6’10” freshman center has made an impact in the paint this season.
Despite the 2-8 record in conference play, the Titans have played competitive basketball. From a three at the buzzer against Portland, to one point losses to both Linn-Benton and Mt. Hood — the Titans are a few bounces away from a much different season.
(Photo by Marky) Rodney Hounshell, Dylan Reichenberger attempt a rebound after a shot by the Linn-Benton. Hounshell led the game in points with 19 total shots Wednesday. 
(Photo by Marky) The team huddles up before the second half. The Wednesday game ended 76-75. 
(Photo by Marky) Jake Willemsen attempts a shot and his blocked by the Linn- Benton during the first half Wednesday, Jan 29. 
(Photo by Marky) Isaac Lange, a freshman, dunks the ball in Wednesday’s game against Linn-Benton.
Lane may need some help from Portland to fulfill their playoff goals. With a four-game deficit to close in the last six contests, as well as needing a strong finish to the season, the Titans will need a couple losses from Portland. While the Panthers still have Umpqua and Chemeketa on the schedule, the Titans’ remaining schedule looks to be difficult as well.
