Tommies close out home schedule with grad game victories over Holland

Tommies guard Evan Valanne attempts to block a shot in his own end against an opposing player. (Credit: STU Athletics)

On Feb. 15, both St. Thomas University (STU) basketball teams closed out their season home schedule with defensive grit and a grad game crowd that was both loud and sentimental.

Hosting the Holland College Hurricanes, both the men’s and women’s squads secured victories to solidify their spots at the top of the standings. The women’s team earned a 60-52 win to move to 15-1, while the men pulled away late for a 91-80 victory, improving to 14-2.

For the women’s team, it wasn’t a game decided by highlight plays. It was decided by stops.

After a competitive back-and-forth battle, the Tommies locked in defensively in the fourth quarter. Fourth-year guard Kathleen Quinlan said she felt the momentum shift when the team began stacking defensive possessions.

“We had a lot of tips and steals, a lot of stops in a row. Some of our shots weren’t falling today, but it’s more the defensive side of things. As soon as we got three or four consecutive stops, that’s when I knew things were going to be okay.”

The win marked Quinlan’s final home game in a Tommies jersey.

“It just kind of wraps up how special my time here at STU has been,” she said. “Senior night is about taking everything in, realizing what it’s taken to get here and feeling the support from the team.”

She described this year’s group as “basically a family,” adding that the culture built within the program is what she hopes lasts beyond this graduating class.

“I want the team to always have each other’s backs,” Quinlan said. “No matter if things go wrong or right.”

For her, wearing the Tommies jersey has carried a sense of responsibility.

“Every time I put on my jersey, I realize who’s come before me and who’s to come after me,” she said. “Getting to represent that is a big deal.”

The men’s game unfolded differently. Holland opened strong, leading 26-19 after the first quarter, but STU responded quickly. The Tommies outscored the Hurricanes in each of the next three quarters, tightening up defensively and finding their offence rhythm to close out the 91-80 win.

Head Coach John Hickey, now in his seventh season, credited the team’s chemistry and work ethic.

“We have good players who work extremely hard and they care about each other,” Hickey said. “That would be the biggest reason for our success.”

With playoffs approaching, Hickey emphasized that the focus remains on defence.

“Our success will be dictated based on our defensive end,” he said. “If we guard with energy and intensity, then we should be in a good spot.”

Forward Jeven Eddy said the team’s confidence started before the regular season began.

“After our preseason, it really showed we had the potential to be great,” Eddy said. “We just have to keep putting in the time and keep growing in practice.”

He described the culture of the team simply as “a brotherhood,” adding that everyone is “in it together.” When asked what he hopes fans remember, Eddy pointed to the energy the team brings each night.

“This team always tries to put on a show,” he said. “We always try to play hard and win the games.”

For second-year transfer Marcus Wilson, the season has been about adjustment and growth. “It’s very competitive, very physical. People want to get after it,” Wilson said.

Learning from the program’s veterans has also shaped his development.

“Probably mentally, just staying together when times are tough,” he said. “Leadership for sure.”

As the regular season comes to an end, Sunday’s games felt like both a celebration and a turning point. Seniors reflected on the journeys that brought them here, while younger players looked ahead to the postseason.

With both teams sitting in first place, the focus now shifts to playoffs, but the message remains the same: defend hard, play together and represent the Tommies jersey with pride.