COSTA MESA, CA – Menlo Men's Basketball hit the road Thursday evening to continue their first PacWest Conference trip of the season, taking on Vanguard University just two days after earning their first PacWest victory at Azusa Pacific. In a tight, competitive matchup that stayed close wire-to-wire, the Oaks battled through multiple runs and found consistent scoring from several contributors, but ultimately fell to the Lions in a hard-fought contest.
Strong Fight, Narrow Finish
Nick High – Team-high 17 points, multiple paint finishes, and key first-half scoring runs
JaMaal Unuakhalu – Second double-double of the season (14 points, 11 rebounds), team-leading rebounds, several emphatic blocks, and strong interior defense
Jalen Keago – Three-point shooting spark off the bench and composure at the free-throw line
Quentin Thompson – Efficient scoring inside, lockdown defense, and steady ball movement
Jonathan Moxie – Defensive rebounds and assists that fueled transition opportunities
Oaks Go Toe-to-Toe with Lions
Vanguard opened the game with early pressure, capitalizing on a pair of Menlo turnovers and hitting consecutive threes to take a quick lead. Menlo responded with composure, using defensive stops from JaMaal Unuakhalu, including two first-half blocks, to spark their offense. Nick High got the Oaks on the board with a mid-range jumper before Jalen Keago followed with a three to cut into the deficit. Menlo continued to settle in, getting efficient touches from Quentin Thompson, who converted a jumper and a free throw to narrow the gap. From the mid-point of the first half onward, Menlo's bench provided a lift - Keago, Thompson, and Jamison "JD" Beesley combined for key scoring stretches, but the Lions closed the half with a small run to enter halftime ahead.
Menlo came out energized in the second half, starting with Luke Wieskamp's three-pointer to bring the Oaks back within single digits. A series of defensive stops, highlighted by another block from Unuakhalu and rebounds from Moxie and Wieskamp, helped Menlo chip away. High once again attacked the paint, scoring through contact and completing a three-point play that cut the Lions' lead to seven. Throughout the second half, Menlo threatened to swing momentum with strong interior defense and second-chance efforts, including an offensive rebound put-back opportunity from Unuakhalu and transition looks created by Moxie's defensive boards.
Team-wide, Menlo remained competitive statistically: the Oaks generated numerous fast-break chances, were solid at the free-throw line with consistent makes from Keago, Thompson, and Moxie, and held their own on the glass. Despite a back-and-forth second half and multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead, the Lions made timely plays down the stretch to seal the home win.
Up Next
Menlo continues its PacWest Conference road swing on Saturday, December 6, traveling to Santa Barbara to face the Warriors of Westmont College. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM, where the Oaks will look to close out the week with a strong conference performance.
