Merced, CA- We are still in the early days of the season and Menlo Men's Basketball have been taking their talents on the road for five of their six contests so far. While it is always challenging to suit up as the visiting team, the Oaks headed to UC Merced to take on the Bobcats in the confines of Gallo Gymnasium. The game that followed was a back and forth affair with numerous lead changes, clutch shooting and critical defensive stops. Thankfully, when the final buzzer sounded for the second overtime period it was the Oaks that were on top as they returned to Atherton with an 81-79 victory!
Nick High Has a Day
Over the past few games the pair of Braydon Iuli and Landon Seaman have been at the forefront of the Oaks rotation. The duo was once again spectacular, combining for 43 points on 18 made shots. Yet, it would be junior Nick High that would save the day and carry the team when they needed him most. Through the first 37 minutes of the game High had two points on a monster dunk. With 3:31 left in regulation through the final buzzer in the second overtime High exploded for 16 points. He hit two clutch threes, knocked down critical free throws and hit both the shot that sent the game to overtime as well as a buzzer beater to win the game. Not only was his offense on full display but High put together a complete game on both sides of the court. He added two blocks, grabbed six boards and didn't commit a single turnover. Over his last two games High is now averaging 16 points and eight rebounds per game. His emergence as a third scoring option has been instrumental in the Oaks two game winning streak.
Menlo Wins On the Margins
Nick High's heroics were front and center for the Oaks but the team made plenty of small plays that contributed to the win. First and foremost was the efficiency in which the entire offense played with. For the game Menlo shot a strong 48% from the floor and shot 50% or better in every period of play with the exception of the second half. Menlo's offense has been scoring at a high clip all year long and even without the three ball they still managed to put points up on the board.Â
Secondly, the team won the battle of the boards 35-30 and added seven offensive boards. A big part of the Oaks success on the glass was the return of Patrick Ryan from injury. In his first game action in a week, Ryan grabbed a game high 13 rebounds with four of them coming on the offensive side of the ball. Ryan didn't find his usual success scoring the ball but was everywhere for the Oaks. He handed out four assists and swiped three steals to give the Oaks a boost whenever they needed it.
Lastly, Menlo did a great job of taking care of the ball and valuing each possession. In 50 minutes of play they only turned the ball over 11 times and had a positive assist to turnover ratio as a team. By limiting extra possessions for the Bobcats the Oaks were able to let their efficient offense lead the way.
Player of the Game
Nick High: 18 PTS, 6 REBS, 2 BLKS, 1 Game Winner
Nick High put the Oaks on his back in crunch time and paved the way for an Oaks victory. His shot making was critical in countering every single rally by the Bobcats all game long. High is playing at a career best level right now and continues to provide the scoring punch the Oaks need from the perimeter!
Up Next…
The team continues their road trip ways as they will be heading across the bay for a rematch against Cal Maritime. The Keelhaulers faced the Oaks inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion for the teams season opener. Menlo secured the victory 81-63 with Landon Seaman leading the way with 19 points. Kareem Rowe was our player of the game for his dominance on the glass as he pulled down six boards to go along with 12 points. With a three game winning streak on the line coach Rooney will look to go 2-0 against his old program for the year.
