The University of Rochester Men’s Basketball team won two massive victories against Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) this past weekend at the Louis Alexander Palestra. The ‘Jackets improved to an overall record of 10–6 and 3–2 in conference play.
Four UR players scored in double-digits on Friday night against CWRU. Senior captain Jared Seltzer led the ‘Jackets in both games. He matched his career-high 26 points against CWRU, shooting 7–12 from the floor, including five from three-point range. Seltzer grabbed eight rebounds, handed out three assists, and had two blocked shots. Junior guard Sam Borst-Smith scored an impressive 20 points, including four triples, while handing out seven assists as well as four steals. Dylan Peretz notched a double-double, scoring 13 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, including seven offensive in 20 minutes of play. Junior phenom Mack Montague tallied 11 points to go, along with three assists also in 20 minutes of play.
The ‘Jackets received many other contributions, including nine points from point-guard Jake Wittig and Zack Ayers. Freshman guard Brendan O’Shea scored eight points and sophomore forward Tucker Knox had six. The ‘Jackets finished the night with a remarkable 108 total points, to CWRU’s 79. CWRU’s Colin Zucker and David Black scored 18 and 17 points respectively. This was not enough, however, to stop the ‘Jackets from achieving a victory.
Less than 48 hours later, Rochester beat the Carnegie Mellon University Tartans, which completed their first weekend sweep of the season. Seltzer, once again, led the ‘Jackets. The senior sensation scored 25 points, including three triples for UR. He grabbed 10 rebounds as well, marking his fifth double-double of the season. Borst-Smith scored 15 points, had six rebounds, and four steals to help pace the ‘Jackets to victory. Dylan Peretz grabbed 10 rebounds for UR, and scored six points. Ryan Maha led the Tartans with 19 points.
The ‘Jackets exhibited a great level of preparedness throughout the weekend. Borst-Smith pointed out that they “did a great job scouting both opponents,” which was a huge contributing factor to both wins. CMU and CWRU presented two different challenges to the ‘Jackets. For CMU, the ‘Jackets had to be very focused on “defensive execution,” said Borst-Smith. They were aware of the “tendencies of their go-to players” and made their best effort to “counter their normal way of playing, and make them feel uncomfortable,” Borst-Smith continued.
Against CWRU, the ‘Jackets had to be aware of what would be “thrown at them defensively,” said Borst-Smith. The ‘Jackets were vigilant in the execution of their offensive plan, and it certainly did not hurt to shoot 48.6 percent from the three-point range as a team.
Seltzer garnered UAA Athlete of the Week honors, recognizing his superb performance. The senior has played with a remarkable consistency so far this season. He has been able to maintain such an impressive performance through “hard work in practice, and going into every game with a high level of confidence.” Further, Seltzer said that he has a “strong trust for his teammates,” which “makes it easier to play well.” The center will continue to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The ‘Jackets head to the Midwest this weekend to match up against Washington University at St. Louis, and the University of Chicago as they look to improve their record. As Borst-Smith puts it, there is always room to improve in one way or another. This coming weekend will be an opportunity to do just that.
