The University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team recently made a long trip down to Houston, Texas for some non-conference competition.

J’Vaun Walker Fights Through a Double Team Against CSS at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.
Photo by Andrew Mathews | The Promethean

Leading up to this trip, the Yellowjackets were 3-2, coming off an overtime thriller against Macalester College, winning that contest 78-76.

In an interview prior to the season, UWS senior guard J’Vaun Walker who is from Texas was excited about the opportunity to play in his home state.

J’Vaun Walker during team introduction
at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.
Photo by Andrew Mathews | The Promethean

“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to this year is the opportunity to play in Houston. Being from the area, I’m excited to go back home and play there in front of a lot of my family and friends I know will be there,” said Walker.

 

The Yellowjackets played Trinity University on Nov. 23, and University of St. Thomas (Tex.) on Nov. 24. These games presented challenges for the Yellowjackets as they have never faced off against either team before, making it difficult to know what to expect.

In game one of the weekend, the Yellowjackets went into halftime leading the Trinity Tigers 43-35 who at the time were ranked 11th in d3hoops.com’s top 25 poll. The rest didn’t go the way the ‘Jackets would hope. The Tigers went on to outscore them 49-33, winning the game in the end 84-76.

Game two of the trip did not go in favor of the Yellowjackets. They trailed the St. Thomas Celts 37-23 going into halftime and were out scored in the second half, 37-30, ultimately falling 74-53.

Walker led the team in scoring in both games in Texas. In the game against Trinity, he tallied 20 points. Against the Celts, he scored 13 points.

The only thing that was certain was how special the games were for Walker, who would get to play these games in his home state of Texas. In an interview with Jon Garver for UWS Athletics, Walker said how special the trip was for him.

“Just being back home seeing a lot of my family in the stands instead of just my Mom and Dad this time, that was cool to see and obviously the warm weather,” said Walker.

In his fifth year at UWS, Walker makes a huge impact as he currently leads the team in minutes and points per game.

The next chance to catch the Yellowjackets at home is slated for Jan. 8 against North Central, tipping off conference play. Game time is slated to start at 5:30 p.m. at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.