With a 6–13 record, the San Diego Mesa men’s basketball team continues to compete at a high level but is searching for consistency in order to close out games and turn strong performances into wins.

Head coach Travis Nichols believes there is still plenty of time to turn the season around, beginning with improved consistency on both ends of the floor.

“Our biggest issue right now is being consistent on both sides of the ball,” Nichols said. “One game we’ll make our free throws, the next game we can’t buy one. One game we finish layups, the next game we struggle. The players have to lock in and focus during this next round of conference games.”

Despite the sub-.500 record, the Olympians have been competitive in several close losses that could have gone either way. Mesa fell by four points to San Diego City College, 89–85, suffered a seven-point loss to Antelope Valley College at the Cuyamaca Classic, 70–63, and dropped a five-point game to Cuyamaca College, 83–78.

“We have to finish,” Nichols said. “We’re not closing games at the free-throw line, and we’re not making the right decisions down the stretch, especially when it comes to key turnovers. 

Basketball is a game of adjustments, and to win games, you have to be able to make them.”

Nichols is confident in the team’s ability to turn the season around, knowing the potential he sees when the players are fully locked in.

“When we’re focused, we play incredible basketball,” he said. “We have to learn how to move on from mistakes and not let them turn into extended runs for the other team. If we miss a layup or a free throw, we need to fix it and move on.”

The Olympians will look to build momentum in their next matchup when they host Grossmont College at home on Wednesday, January 21. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.