HUNTINGDON — Even though it’s been a tough season for Juniata College men’s basketball team, former Mifflin County Husky Jayden Bilger has been able to gain valuable learning experiences.

Juniata currently sits at 0-17 on the year after losing to Scranton on Saturday, 55-54.

“I would describe our first season as frustrating but also a great learning experience. It’s hard to have the season we have when I know we can be a good team, I get we are young, but I am sick of people telling me that as an excuse. I hope we finish the season strong like I know we can,” Bilger said.

Bilger is averaging 5.8 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game.

“I believe my role is somebody that needs to be able to find open teammates from the post, a guy that produces consistently, and someone that works hard guarding the paint. I’ve had my ups and downs filling this role, but I think that’s what my role is,” Bilger noted.

“One thing that I had to get used to immediately at the beginning of the season was that I am not the go-to guy anymore, I needed to be the player that my team needed, and I hadn’t earned anybody’s respect here and I am still working everyday towards earning it.”

What can new college athletes expect playing at the collegiate level?

“It is very physical, guarding bigs at the college level is very challenging at my weight. Every single big I’ve guarded this season has been stronger than me, so I’ve tried just moving my feet and keeping it out of the post, but this offseason my focus is to get stronger and add some pounds,” the freshman post player said.

Drew (14-3, 10-0 Landmark) leads the Landmark Conference right now with Catholic and Susquehanna close behind.

Juniata could improve enough to leap over Lycoming (2-15, 1-9 Landmark) and Goucher (4-13, 3-7 Landmark).

“I’d say my biggest goal is to win a Landmark championship during my career here, and to have a winning career,” Bilger added.

Next, Juniata travels to play Elizabethtown at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.