Rocklin, CA- Menlo Men's Basketball was back on the road as the team headed up to Rocklin, CA to compete in the Bill Holtz Classic hosted by Jessup University. Last season the two teams faced off at Jessup and saw Southern Oregon manage a 10 point victory over the Oaks. Southern Oregon qualified for the NAIA National Tournament last season and proved to be a solid measuring stick to see how the Oaks fare early into the 2023-2024 season. With their hardest test to date, the team was ready to face the challenge and head into Saturday with a critical victory!
Three-Headed Beast for the Oaks
For the game Menlo looked to lean on some familiar faces. Landon Seaman, Patrick Ryan and Braydon Iuli were all critical to the teams winning efforts in a variety of ways. Seaman has been at the center of Menlo's offense coming into today's matchup and he proved once again he was up to the task. Seaman posted a game high 18 points on his usual high efficiency shots. He knocked down seven of his 13 field goal attempts and four of six free throws. Some early foul trouble relegated Seaman to the bench during the first half but he still managed to score nine points in each half of play. On the season, the big man out of Vacaville, CA is up to a team high 18 points per game while shooting 58% from the floor. One of the most critical developments of Seaman's game has been his uptick in playmaking. Known for his ability to score in bunches, Seaman handed out three assists today as well. Given the threat he poses as a scorer, if Seaman continues to elevate his teammates with well timed passes, his offensive output will only further increase.
Braydon Iuli has quietly been one of the most steadfast members of coach Rooney's rotation as the team's lead guard. Today, he was once again steady in his role as the primary ball handler for the Oaks. Offensively, Iuli scored 12 points but did so on five of six shooting from the floor. Over the course of his last two games the sophomore is now shooting a blistering 79% from the floor and on the year is knocking down 80% of his free throw attempts. Yet, the most impressive and important play of Iuli's game today was not a made basket but an outstanding hustle play. With 37 seconds left on the clock and a five point lead hanging in the balance, Iuli made arguably the play of the game diving for a loose ball and securing an Oaks timeout. His hustle in crunch time galvanized his team, secured a critical win and showed that no one is above putting their body on the line for a victory.
Lastly, Patrick Ryan once again stuffed the statsheet. Ryan scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds, handed out three assists and came up with four steals. After sitting out the team's last game against Simpson, Ryan made sure to remind both teammates and opponents that he is one of the most multi-faceted players in the country. After getting off to a slow start in the first half, which saw Ryan score four points but also have four turnovers, he took over the second half. In 17 second half minutes Ryan scored 10 points and added three more rebounds to his totals. With 50 seconds to go Menlo led by three points until Ryan would finish through contact at the rim to give the Oaks a five point lead and all but end Southern Oregon's chances at a comeback victory.
Pair of Big Men Step Up
On top of the high level contributions from Seaman, Iuli and Ryan, the duo of Salim Arikat and Julius Alcantara put forth strong efforts when their numbers were called. Alcantara got his first start of the year and provided solid minutes at both forward spots. In 26 minutes, Alcantara posted six points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The most important element of his game was his defense. On multiple occasions the forward from San Bruno, CA was dialed in on the defensive side of the ball. He made timely rotations, contested shots at the rim and ended Southern Oregon possessions with his rebounding.
Salim Arikat entered today's game riding high on a strong showing against Simpson that highlighted his size and shooting ability. Once again, when his number was called Arikat was ready to make an impact. In his 15 minutes of play the 6'9 stretch big knocked down two threes and grabbed four rebounds. While there is still room for improvement on the defensive end, Arikat's length made him a factor on the defensive side as he contained shooters and contested at the rim.
Player of the Game
Patrick Ryan: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL
Ryan was everywhere for the Oaks on both ends of the floor. His ability to make winning plays was on full display as a scorer, rebounder and defender. Every team needs their "glue guy" and Ryan is one of the best.
Up Next…
The Oaks are right back on the court tomorrow for day two of the Bill Holtz Classic. They will take on Montana State University Northern on Jessup's home court. As next week roles round Menlo will remain on the road for the next few games with a matchup against Pacific Union College on deck come November 8th.
