As winter has crossed its midway point, so have the Maroons—into the second half of UAA competition.

For the past four weeks the South Siders (11–7, 4–3 UAA) have travelled around the country, from St. Louis to Pittsburgh to Cleveland to Atlanta to New York, playing for the UAA championship.

Chicago will play many more home games in the latter half of the season. Third-year guard Royce Muskeyvalley is looking forward to future home games, given the long distances the team has ventured.

“Going from flight to flight and hotel to hotel can definitely take a toll on your energy level. Also, the gym you practice in practically every day has a much more comfortable feel,” he said.

Staying at home more will likely give the Maroons a chance to rest and recover between games. There have been some stunning victories as well as some tragic losses, but as the South Siders head into the back half of the schedule, they come with renewed energy and fire in their hearts.

Chicago faces the Emory Eagles (12–6, 4–3) and the Rochester Yellowjackets (8–10, 2–5) once again this weekend on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

Coming out of last weekend with a split result, the Maroons have the opportunity to come back with two conference wins.

After a double loss to Chicago and Wash U (16–2, 7–0) last weekend, the Eagles are coming to Chicago for a possible back-to-back beating by the Maroons. Last Friday the South Siders played up their rebound power. “We felt like we had an advantage inside, so we made a concerted effort rebounding,” said fourth-year forward Sam Gage.

“I’m actually excited to be playing these two teams for the second consecutive weekend. It gives us a chance to get an immediate second shot at Rochester, but this time on home court,” Muskeyvalley said, despite the surprising loss to the Yellowjackets last Sunday.

The Maroons have been working hard all week and are ready to face Rochester and avenge that loss.

This Friday’s women’s and men’s games against Emory will feature the annual Order of the “C” clothing drive, at which participants can donate clothes and purchase raffle tickets for gift cards to restaurants in Hyde Park and downtown Chicago, University of Chicago apparel, tickets to professional sports games and museums, and much more.

Chicago tips off against Emory at 8 p.m. tonight and against Rochester at noon on Sunday.