The Dordt College men’s basketball team looks to continue an impressive start to the season tonight when the Defenders host Martin Luther College. Coach Greg Van Soelen’s team is 7-1 on the season and he says he likes the group. Van Soelen says he’s not surprised by the start as they started strong last year, and one of their goals is to maintain the start going into the second semester.

Seniors Luke Ruter and B.J. Haan lead a team that is shooting just over 52-percent for the season. He says they haven’t taken a lot of bad shots, but Ruter and Haan’s shooting ability have also helped them achieve a high percentage.

The Defenders average 17 assists per game, which he says is due to their motion offense and the team is unselfish in passing. Among their victories so far was an 89-72 win over nationally top ranked Northwestern back on November 22nd.