Sports Reporter

Confidence is something that can’t be overlooked. What is a good player or team if not surrounded by that certain aura?

Steadily getting back on its feet after a rocky start this season, the NIU men’s basketball team is slowly regaining that necessary element. And it showed in Wednesday’s game against Eastern Michigan.

“Hopefully, this will be a good confidence booster for our team,” said coach Andy Greer. “Every time you win, you feel good about yourself.”

Without confidence, Stephen Jones would not have been in a position to take the driving shot that eventually took Eastern Michigan out of the game with 1:25 left. Jones finished with 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Getting blocked and the ball swatted back in his face on the previous possession, Jones had the poise to take it right back at EMU’s front line.

“I got my shot blocked a couple times, but I just kept playing through,” said an assured Jones.

With Jones back in the lineup for the second half of the season, he’s influencing his teammates.

“Steve gives everybody a little more confidence,” said Greer. “People have a lot of faith in Steve’s ability.”