ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The University of Rochester used a 21-0 run in the first half to take command in a 77-58 victory over Union College at the Louis Alexander Palestra on Monday night.
Rochester improved to 10-0 overall. This is the ninth time in 116 years that the Yellowjackets have opened a season at 10-0 or better. Rochester is ranked No. 7 in the current poll conducted by D3hoops.com.
Union slipped to 4-4 overall. The Dutchmen came in with a three-game winning streak. For Union,
Deshon Burgess posted a double-double with 12 points, 10 boards, and two steals.
Kevin Weckworth and
Benjamin Lee scored 10 points.
Seven players contributed to the game-deciding spurt. Michael Mangan had six points. Three players hit three-pointers – Jacob Wittig, Mack Montague, and Ryan Clamage. Union had just tied the score at 10-10 on a three-pointer by Weckworth five minutes into the game. Over the next 2:10, Rochester scored eight points in the paint and Wittig sank his trey.
The Yellowjackets put four men in double figures. Sam Borst-Smith led all scorers with 15 points, hitting six of 11 from the floor, three of five outside the arc. He had six rebounds and two steals. Tucker Knox scored 13 points on 5-7 accuracy (2-4 outside the arc) with seven rebounds. Zack Ayers scored 12 points in 19 minutes, added 10 rebounds, and blocked three shots. Montague scored 10 points. Wittig registered six assists to accompany seven points.
Rochester shot 53.1% from the field in the first half (17-32) and were six for 14 outside the arc (42.9%). For the game, Rochester made 29 shots in 63 attempts (46%) and a nearly equal percentage outside the arc (12-26, 46.2%). Union managed 19% shooting in the first 20 minutes (6-31). For the game, Union shot 28.3% from the field (17-60), 32.3% outside the arc (32.3%).
Rochester held a 45-35 edge on the boards. The Yellowjackets scored 16 second chance points to eight for the Dutchmen. UR committed 13 turnovers leading to 12 Union points. Union had 15 giveaways leading to 12 Rochester points.
Both teams are idle now during the holiday season. Rochester returns to the court on Tuesday, January 3, at RIT. Union is off until back to back home games vs. St. Lawrence (December 30) and Vassar (December 31) in the Liberty League.
