SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Menlo Men's Basketball faced a tough battle on neutral ground at the Don Nasser Family Plaza at San Francisco State but ultimately fell to Sonoma State in a non-conference matchup. The game ended with a score of 61-80 in favor of the Seawolves. Despite a strong first-half showing, Menlo was unable to maintain momentum, allowing Sonoma State to pull away late in the second half.
Preston Keeps the Pace
Several standout performances by the Oaks highlighted the evening:
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Preston Le Gassick: Led all Menlo scorers with 20 points, including three three-pointers, and contributed four rebounds and two assists.
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Riley Robinson: Added 11 points, all from beyond the arc, while grabbing two offensive rebounds.
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Landon Seaman: Notched 13 points and tied for the team lead with five rebounds, showing consistency on both ends of the floor.
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Kareem Rowe: Secured five boards and scored eight points, including a three-pointer that ignited the crowd in the first half.
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Nick Davidson: Made significant defensive contributions with six rebounds and three steals.
A Game of Runs
The game showcased contrasting styles, with Menlo starting strong but struggling to maintain momentum in the second half, allowing Sonoma State to capitalize on key opportunities. Menlo shot 44% from the field, including 36% from three-point range, but turnovers proved costly with 21 giveaways. The Oaks grabbed 29 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end, and scored 30 points in the paint. However, they struggled to convert key chances and managed just eight points off Sonoma's 15 turnovers, highlighting missed opportunities.
The Seawolves aggressive defense forced 11 steals and consistently disrupted Menlo's rhythm. Sonoma's ability to turn turnovers into easy baskets and dominate the fast break contributed to their commanding second-half performance. Menlo showed promise, particularly in the first half, but could not last the entire 40 minutes. As the Oaks prepare for their next game, improving ball security and finishing key plays will be focal points. Despite the setback, Menlo's effort on the boards and flashes of offensive potential provide a solid foundation to build upon as the season progresses.
Up Next…
The Oaks next faceoff arrives in just 24 hours when Menlo will once again be playing at San Francisco State, this time against the home team of the Gators.
