Over February break the Brandeis’ men’s basketball team, despite best efforts, still struggled to secure a win. So far this season the men’s team has a record of 9-15 with an average of 68.3 points per game. Since last weekend the team has played against Emory University, Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Chicago.
The Judges started the break by spending Valentine’s Day in Atlanta, GA against Emory. During the first half the Judges fell behind 23-14 after a three-pointer was made by the Eagles at the 6:35 mark. Then thanks to Robinson Vilmont ’17, who had five points, three rebounds and two assists in the run, Brandeis rallied with a 14-4 run over the next 5:34. However, Emory took a 31-28 advantage at the break with a free throw and a late three-pointer, and eventually went on to close the game on a 12-4 run to take a 66-58 UAA victory. Highlights for the judges were: Jordan Cooper ’18 leading with 16 points, 11 coming in the first half; Jack Fay ’17 scoring nine of his 11 in the second stanza, while Vilmont scored five points in each half to finish with 10. Vilmont also led the Judges with five assists while Colby Smith ‘16 earned eight rebounds, a season high.
Returning home on the Feb. 19, the Judges went against Washington University in St. Louis. Individually, Brandeis was led by Cooper, who scored 12 points and a career-high five steals. He also tied for team-high honors with four rebounds. Guard Tim Reale ’17 added 11 points and four assists. Smith led the Judges with five assists off the bench. Carlin Haymon ’18 and Ian Roach ’19 earned the team eight points, which was a career-high for Roach. But despite best efforts WUSTL outscored Brandeis 88-62, causing the Judges to fall 9-14 overall and 3-9 in the UAA.
The last game Brandeis men’s basketball played was against the University of Chicago this past Sunday as most students were returning from their break. Cooper once again led the Judges with a game high of 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting while Roach earned himself another career-high of 15 off the bench. Roach shot 6-of-12 overall and 3-of-7 on three pointers. Meanwhile Reale achieved a team-high eight rebounds and Haymon led the team in assists with four apiece. In the second half, with 8:32 remaining the Judges were closing in on the Maroons, 52-50, on a jumper by Michael McReynolds ’19. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough since they did not score again until a last-possession layup by Reale. The Judges conceded to the Maroons, 62-52, slipped 9-15 overall, and just 3-10 UAA.
This Sunday, Feb. 28, the Judges will play their final regular season home game against NYU at Red Auerbach Arena. The women’s team will start at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3 p.m. In addition, the seniors on the Brandeis basketball teams will be honored as part of Senior Day, so be sure to come out and show your support.
