Angwin, CA- Menlo Men's Basketball got back to their winning ways while up in Angwin, CA for a matchup against the Pioneers of Pacific Union College. What was a three point game at the half would turn into a solid 12 point victory in a hostile environment. Despite the Pioneers shooting a lights out 58% from deep on 14 made threes, the Oaks showed a level of resolve that had them push the lead to as much as 18 for a good portion of the second half.
Starting Lineup Lights it Up
It would be a handful of familiar faces that would lead Menlo in close, road game. Starting point guard Braydon Iuli has been as solid as one can be while manning the point for the Oaks. All the 6 '4 New Zealand native did was post a game high 25 points, dish out a game high five assists and shoot 69% from the field. Iuli showed huge upside during his freshman season and has delivered on that promise in his second year. With his second 20 plus point performance in as many games, Iuli is now up to 17 points per game and has shot no worse than 50% from the floor in his last four appearances
Alongside Iuli, Landon Seaman continues to prove almost unguardable on the low block. In 35 minutes of action Seaman dismantled the Pioneers despite double teams and various defensive looks. He had another near double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds. His trademark efficiency was on display going 10 of 13 from the field while adding in two steals for good measure. His highlight of the game was a monster break away dunk with 8:45 to go in the first half. The play ignited the Oaks bench, forced the Pioneers to take a timeout and silenced the home crowd.
At the forward spots the duo of Kareem Rowe and Nick High made their presence felt. Rowe brought his patented physicality to the game from tip. On the glass Rowe grabbed six rebounds, three of which were of the offensive variety. He also handled some of the Pioneers most physical defensive assignments both on the perimeter and in the paint.
Nick High has been one of the more versatile players in coach Rooney's rotation who has been capable of playing either forward position. His ability to space the floor at 6 '6 makes him a difficult matchup for the opposition. High dropped a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. Using his athleticism led to some easy putbacks on the offensive glass and he knocked down a three from the right wing when PUC was late on a rotation.
A Trio of Guards Step Up
While Iuli had the point guard position dialed in, the three man rotation of Ciro Baeza, Eric Blackwell and Kaito Williams were exceptional playing the two guard. Williams drew the start but due to foul trouble was limited to 16 minutes of playing time. It didn't matter as he made the most of his time scoring 12 points and draining his two three point attempts for the game.
Ciro Baeza has been like the energizer bunny for the Oaks and his 27 minutes today were no different. Baeza once again hit a three and added a nice layup to add to his scoring totals but it was his defensive intensity that defined his playing time. Baeza was a man possessed along the perimeter switching onto players of all positions and sizes. He fought through screens, contested shots and helped lead the Oaks defensively all night.
Lastly, Eric Blackwell emerged and found his groove for the first time this season. The junior out of Arizona stuffed the statsheet to the tune of nine points, three steals and two assists. He played with a great sense of pace that led to a variety of open threes and cuts to the basket for easy layups. Blackwell's ability to play both the point or shooting guard are critical for the Oaks' depth.
Player of the Game
Braydon Iuli: 25 PTS, 5 AST, 69% FG
Iuli was unstoppable all night long. The Pioneers could not keep him out of the paint and when he got the ball in transition it was game over for PUC's defense. Iuli has been the general of the Oaks offense and led his troops to a 3-1 start to the season.
Up Next…
The next few days will be spent recovering and preparing for this Saturday's road game against UC Merced. Menlo will look to start the year off with a 4-1 record which includes only one home game so far this season. If the Oaks can continue to win on the road a string of home games await the boys through much of December!
