Surprise, AZ-As has been the case all year; it was another slugfest in the GSAC with Menlo Men's Basketball pulling out the single possession victory to complete the regular season sweep of OUAZ. It was a game defined by clutch buckets, physicality & big time players making big time plays. The GSAC is anyones to take now that the second half of the schedule is underway. After a win on the road, the Oaks are very much in the hunt!
Rowe & Robinson Rise to the Occasion
Kareem Rowe has been the enforcer for this Menlo team and has bought into his role as a pillar of the second unit. In a game where Nick High battled foul trouble throughout, Rowe had his number called to the tune of 29 minutes. All he did was hit huge shots all game long to help stem the tide of every OUAZ run. Rowe once again rebounded with a sense of urgency and muscle that makes him a challenge for opposing teams to keep off the boards. Yet, it would be his scoring that really mattered when the final buzzer sounded. OUAZ received a huge boost from their bench with 27 bench points. With Rowes performance Menlo was able to neutralize what would have been a big advantage for the Spirit as his 14 points helped Menlo's second unit chip in 24 bench points.
Another key piece that has elevated his play over the past few weeks has been Riley Robinson. The guard was once again highly efficient as both a shooter and ball handler. In 26 minutes of action Robinson only committed a single turnover helping get the Oaks into their offensive sets all game long. He also continues to shoot the ball at a high clip from distance with a perfect 2-2 performance from behind the arc.
Oaks Win Along the Margins
While there were strong individual performances, the team as a whole won key statistical categories. The Oaks won the rebounding battle 41-34 thanks to another double digit effort on the glass from Landon Seaman. In fact, his performance as a rebounder officially has landed the center in seventh place for single season total rebounding. With plenty of games left to play, don't be surprised to see Seaman continue his ascension up the record books.
The team was also very efficient from the floor and from three shooting 53% and 50% respectively. Braydon Iuli put together an outstanding effort as the Oaks floor general to the tune of 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists to a single turnover.
Up Next…
This is the second straight win the coach Rooney and the boys. They will now turn their attention to Arizona Chrisitan for a rematch of what was a thrilling, back and forth game earlier this season inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion. While the Oaks lost that matchup it was a four point game that came down to a final few shots. Look to Menlo to try and exact some revenge this Saturday!
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).
