Santa Barbara, California- There is no doubt that both Menlo and Westmont had this matchup circled on the calendars for the past few weeks. Back in January, Menlo handed the Westmont Warriors their first loss of the season. It was clear the Warrior's would not take it easy on the Oaks as they jumped out to a 20-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. Regardless, Menlo refused to back down and won both the second and third quarters. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough and Westmont avenged their earlier season loss.
A Slow Start
Offense was hard to come by in the first quarter for the Oaks. Through the first quarter, the team was only able to convert 13% of their field goals and hit one of five three point attempts. In fact Menlo was uncharacteristically off from both the free throw line and behind the arc. Through most of the season, shooting has been one of the Oaks greatest assets. Yet tonight, the Oaks only converted 26% of their threes and 57% of their free throws. Even after tonight's slow start, Menlo is still leading the conference in free throw percentage and three point percentage as a team.
Jasmyne Huggins Efficient Night
Jasmyne Huggins missed the first 12 games of the season before returning as one of the Oaks' leaders in the second unit. In fact, since returning to action, Menlo has only lost two games. With some of the top scoring options having off nights from the field, Huggins was highly efficient scoring and rebounding the ball. In just 16 minutes of playing time, Huggins scored 13 points, shot 75% from the field and pulled down six rebounds. When Menlo's starters and second unit are all on their games, this team easily goes eight or more players deep.
Up Next…
Having won 13 of their last 15 contests bodes well for a Menlo team that is hitting their stride with the playoffs right around the corner. While the outcome was not what Oaks fans were hoping for, knowing that the team refused to back down and fought back against a top tier team is reassuring. Menlo will wrap up their regular season with a road matchup against The Master's University on Saturday at 12 PM.
