Atherton, CA-Two days after taking The Master's Mustangs down to the wire Menlo Men's Basketball was able to get a much needed win against the visiting Life Pacific Warriors. With a packed house full of alumni in town to celebrate Alumni Appreciation Day, the Oaks would take the lead with roughly eight and half minutes left in the first half. From that point on they would lead for the remainder of the game and secure the program sweep by a final score of 76-66.
Balanced Attack Across the Roster
Once again the Oaks were headlined by the play of Landon Seaman, but multiple players would chip in not just as scorers but in a variety of ways all game long. Seaman has spent all season long firmly establishing himself among some of the great single season performers in the history of Menlo basketball. All he did today was add 26 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks to his resume. Seaman has spent the better part of a month facing a variety of defensive schemes that tend to focus on double teaming the dominant big man. Yet, today the Warriors allowed the center to play some one on one which resulted in a variety of tough finishes and post moves.
While Seaman was a presence on the low block, his teammate Braydon Iuli put together one of his more complete games of the year. His 13 points were second on the Oaks but it was his rebounding and passing that stood out most on the court. He would submit five assists to only a single turnover as he constantly set the table for his teammates to convert easy buckets. He also leveraged his strength and explosive leaping ability as a rebounder as well. With eight boards, Iuli constantly corralled misses and simply took the ball up court to instantly start fast break opportunities.
Lastly, Kareem Rowe had a really strong showing in his fourth start of the year. With Patrick Ryan sidelined, Rowe stepped into the starting power forward role and made sure his patented physicality was on full display. In 37 minutes of playing time, Rowe snagged seven rebounds including some impressive offensive ones that highlighted his willingness to compete at all cost. He also scored 11 points which would tie his second highest scoring outing of the year. Rowe has improved most notability as an off-ball threat that has really learned to maneuver around the court without the ball in his hands. This leads to great scoring opportunities off of cuts, dives, curls and more.
Up Next…
The Oaks will be taking their talents on the road with a trip to Arizona on deck. The Oaks split the two games earlier this year against their Arizona rivals with both games coming down to the wire. Against ACU Menlo fell by four points in what was a close, down to the final possession type of game. Versus the OUAZ Spirit Menlo was able to secure an 85-83 win that once again came down to the final shot. It should be a fun, tightly contested week of basketball as is the case in almost every GSAC matchup!
Menlo College is currently a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). To learn more about Menlo Athletics visit www.menloathletics.com or follow Menlo Athletics on Instagram (@menloathletics), X (@MenloAthletics) or Facebook (Menlo College Athletic).
