Costa Mesa, CA- As has been the case all year in the competitive GSAC for men's basketball, Menlo Men's Basketball would go down to the final few possessions against the Lions of Vanguard. Unfortunately, the Oaks would fall by a final score of 73-78.
Nick High & Kareem Rowe Refuse to Back Down
In a game were foul trouble limited the impact of Menlo's leading scorer Landon Seaman, two forwards would step up and carry the load when their numbers were called. Nick High has been a staple for the Oaks. He has displayed not only his evolving basketball skills but a level of toughness that is needed during such close games. High played 36 minutes of high intensity moments and made sure to get the most out of his playing time. He had a team high 17 points, a team high nine rebounds and another three blocks. In fact, he has now posted six blocked shots in his last two games. Not only was high competing on both ends of the court, he hit arguably the biggest shot of the night for the Oaks which was a three from the left wing with little time left on the clock.
Kareem Rowe came into the game as the first forward off of coach Rooney's bench. As has been the case for much of this year he brought his patented physicality to the game and made the most of his playing time. Rowe snagged seven total rebounds, two of them of the offensive variety. He also scored 11 points on a very efficient 80% shooting from the floor. The way Rowe found his scoring opportunities were highlighted by great movement within the teams offense as he constantly put pressure on the defense by cutting to the basket, rolling hard after setting screens and even hitting a three from the corner to stretch the defense.
Up Next…
It wasn't the ideal road trip down to southern California but the best part about basketball is the fact that there is another game on the docket. The Oaks will be back inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion this Saturday as Jessup University comes to town. Despite three losses, the Oaks have been within one or two possessions in each game. This is a team that is dangerous and ready to get some payback on their way to the win column!
