Atherton, CA- For those who have missed basketball inside of Hayes-Prim Pavilion, Thursday was the best day of the year with Menlo Men's Basketball officially back in action! The Oaks home and season opener saw coach Rooney's team face off against the visiting Cal Maritime Keelhaulers. Despite only maintaining a three point lead at the half, Menlo would go on to outscore Maritime 46-31 in the second half enroute to a convincing 81-63 victory.
Familiar Faces Set the Tone
When looking at the box score and watching the game live a pair of familiar names instantly stand out. Starting center Landon Seaman put himself on the map last year during a breakout season. Seaman has become one of the most polished low post scoring threats in the GSAC with a variety of spins, fakes and finishes that make him a load to handle on the block. Despite foul trouble that saw him forced to the bench for large segments of the game, the junior was highly efficient scoring a game high 19 points on 7-14 shooting from the floor. He also added eight rebounds while also getting to the line a team high eight times. If a near 20 point double-double is the standard for Seaman who only played 25 minutes, he could be in for another monster season.
Alongside Seaman, Patrick Ryan reminded fans and opponents alike that he is one of the most versatile forwards in the NAIA. Ryan played a team high 32 minutes and stuffed the statsheet to the tune of 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Ryan was a factor on both sides of the floor but most notably played with his signature sense of physicality. Six of his 11 rebounds came on the offensive side of the ball and his two blocks were eyebrow raisers that got fans on their feet. The most impressive part of his night came via the five assists he handed out. Ryan established himself as a strong rebounder and finisher during last season but his evolution as a playmaker could take this Menlo offense to new heights.
Second Unit Came to Play
While the starting lineup had four players score in double figures, it would be coach Rooney's bench that would change the dynamic of the game starting with Kareem Rowe. On a night that saw starting forward Nigh High and center Landon Seaman dealing with foul trouble, Rowe came into the game and was a force. Maritime simply had no answer for the 6'5 forward who dominated the offensive glass. Six of his seven rebounds came on the offensive end as he bullied defenders, finished through contact and played with an energy that became contagious. Rowe was the most efficient player of the night knocking down three of four field goal attempts and hitting all six of his free throws. His fall away jump shot as the shot clock expired with under two minutes to play was the dagger that put Menlo up 14 points and snuffed out any chance of a Keelhaulers comeback.
Another impact player was freshman guard Austin Ito. Ito only saw action in six minutes but they were arguably the strongest six minutes of any player on the court. Known as a knockdown shooter, Ito instantly endeared himself to the packed stands of Haynes-Prim Pavilion with his hustle, tough finishes and of course, three point shooting. In just six minutes he came up with two huge steals, one of which led to a tough And-1 finish. His diving to the floor for a loose ball ignited the bench and showed a level of toughness not always found in first year players in their first ever college action. Ito made his presence felt and will only continue to grow more confident as the season wears on.
Player of the Game
Kareem Rowe: 12 Pts, 7 Rebs, 3-4 FG%, 6-6 FT%
Kareem Rowe stepped into major minutes and did not hesitate in making an impact. Rowe knows how to play to his strengths and could be primed for a big year as he continues to be a key piece of Menlo Men's Basketball's heart and soul!
Up Next…
The Oaks will enjoy one day off before hitting the road on Saturday, October 28th. The team will be traveling up to Redding, CA for a matchup against the Red Hawks of Simpson University. Menlo has not played the Red Hawks since 2019 which saw the Oaks pull out a close win by a score of 78-76. With this being the first road game for Menlo the team will look to make a statement away from home and jump start the season with a 2-0 record before heading to Jessup University for the Bill Holtz Classic tournament next weekend.
