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UTSA Dominates Seattle on the Road

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Seattle, WA – Through the first ten minutes of action neither team could gain control, UTSA finally caught their stride and dominated both ends of the floor in an 86-59 road win over Seattle.

Josiah Legree came off the bench for the Roadrunners and had an electric dunk in heavy traffic and made a deep step-back three just before the shot clock expired, contributing to the 28-9 scoring differential in the last ten minutes of the first half. The Redhawks got nothing easy, shooting 2 for 15 from deep and committing 12 turnovers in the half.

KJ Tenner came out in the second half and showed his scoring ability. He had 10 second half points, making a three and getting to the line to go 5 for 6. Seattle’s Will Heimbrodt did everything that he could to try to spark a comeback. He filled the stat sheet for the half with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal. However, it was too little too late, and the Roadrunners lead only grew until the final whistle.

The 6’0” Tenner led UTSA in scoring with 18 points and tied for second on the team in rebounding with five. He showed his veteran leadership skills, routinely operating the offense and showcasing his ability to get downhill and draw fouls, he went 9 of 10 from the free throw line. Legree, another 6’0” guard, played his role as the sixth man very efficiently and provided an explosive spark off the bench. Not long after he was subbed in, he blew split the Redhawk defense out of a pick and roll, drove to the rim, rose up and dunked over two Seattle defenders. He also showed his shooting confidence by going 3 for 5 from three and 6 for 10 overall.

After slow starts to the year for Isaiah Coleman and Isaiah Watts, each had double digit games on good efficiency from the field. Coleman had 14 points on 5 for 6 shooting and drilled his only three-pointer. He led UTSA in rebounding with seven. Watts finished with 15 points on 5 for 10 and made 2 of his 3 three-point shots. He showed he is reliable on the wing, not forcing up shots and making good decisions out of the corner. He was on the court for 29 minutes, the most on the team, and played the best defense for the Road Runners, accumulating a block and a pair of steals.

On a night where nothing would go the Redhawks way, Heimbrodt was still able to put up solid numbers. Finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, he was the only player for Seattle that could create anything reliably. Had his team not shot 17.9% from deep in the game, his assist totals most likely would have been higher. He initiated fast break chances off of turnovers and long rebounds and was able to collapse the defense off his drives because of his finishing ability. He also showed great timing on defense, flying in from the weakside wing to meet drivers at their apex and get clean blocks. The only other player for Seattle to reach double digits was Tyler Boston. In 29 minutes of game time, he reached 16 points on 5 for 11 shooting and made 2-of-6 3’s.  Boston showed that despite the Road Runners tough defense, he could still operate out of the pick and roll and finish inside through contact.

This article was written by Landon Brewer of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Ducks Dominate Delta Devils

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

EUGENE, OR — The Oregon Ducks welcomed the visiting Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils to Matthew Knight Arena in front of 4,307 fans Wednesday night. Behind Jasper Johnson’s game-high 17 points, Oregon cruised to a 100-66 victory to remain undefeated on the young season.

Malique Ewin and Johnson got things going early for the Ducks, helping them jump out to a quick 14-4 lead. Johnson knocked down his first two three-point attempts, while Ewin established his presence in the paint with a pair of easy baskets. Ewin, a 6-foot-10 center playing for his fourth team in five seasons, finished with eight points (4-of-5 FG), a game-high 13 rebounds, and two blocks in just 17 minutes of court time. Johnson couldn’t miss, scoring 14 of his 17 points in the first half while going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also contributed four assists in 21 minutes of action.

Oregon’s Wei Lin provided an immediate spark off the bench, pushing the lead further by orchestrating the offense and creating opportunities in transition. Lin recorded five assists and connected on a three-pointer in just seven first-half minutes before picking up his second foul and sitting out the remainder of the half. After a difficult first season with the Ducks, Lin has looked noticeably more confident handling the basketball and has been shooting efficiently. He finished with eight points (3-of-5 FG) and eight assists over  just 18 minutes. Oregon’s unselfish play was on full display, as the Ducks recorded 16 assists on 20 made field goals in the first half and carried a commanding 50-28 lead into the break. The bench also played a significant role, outscoring Mississippi Valley State’s reserves 47-22 in the game.

The Ducks’ hot shooting continued after halftime, with Fred Payne contributing seven quick points during a 13-2 Oregon run over a four-minute stretch. Payne finished with nine points and five assists without committing a turnover. Taylor Bol Bowen also filled up the stat sheet, becoming just the second Oregon player to reach double figures. He finished with 10 points (3-of-6 FG) six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Oregon’s depth was on full display, with 12 different players finding their way into the scoring column and all playing at least 11 minutes. As a team, the Ducks shot an impressive 61% from the field, connecting on 39 of 64 attempts. Even more impressive was their ball movement, as 31 of those 39 field goals came off assists. The combination of efficient shooting, unselfish play, and contributions throughout the rotation made for a balanced offensive performance.

For Mississippi Valley State, starters Gabriel Martinez and Caleb Cameron combined for 26 points. Martinez led the Delta Devils with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while Cameron added 12 points and six rebounds. Troy James Jr. provided a spark off the bench, scoring all 11 of his points in the second half while knocking down three three-pointers. The Delta Devils shot a respectable 47% from beyond the arc but struggled to find consistency inside the perimeter, finishing at 39% from the field overall. Oregon’s size and length proved to be a difference-maker, as the Ducks dominated the glass 42-26 and recorded seven blocked shots.

Oregon (3-0, 0-0) remains at home to close out the week against Pepperdine (2-2, 0-0) on Sunday. Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State (0-3, 0-0) will make the short trip north to face Oregon State (3-0, 0-0) this Friday.

This article was written by Chad Mart of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Motor City Cruise Dominate Cleveland Charge

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Charge opened their G League season with a difficult home matchup against the Motor City Cruise on Tuesday night, ultimately falling to their division rivals 142-122 in a game that was controlled by Motor City from the opening tip. Led by a game-high 28 points from guard Brice Williams, the Cruise used their depth, athleticism, and ability to capitalize on transition opportunities to establish an early advantage and maintain control throughout the night.

The Charge entered the contest already facing an uphill battle, with injuries leaving them with a depleted eight-player lineup. The limited rotation presented an immediate challenge against a Motor City team that was able to consistently rotate fresh players onto the floor and maintain its defensive intensity. The Cruise took advantage of Cleveland’s limited personnel, pushing the pace, attacking in transition, and putting consistent pressure on the Charge defensively.

Motor City’s ability to get out and run proved to be one of the biggest differences in the matchup. The Cruise consistently found opportunities to attack before Cleveland could establish its half-court defense. As the game progressed, Motor City’s depth became increasingly apparent, allowing the visitors to dictate the tempo and prevent Cleveland from building any meaningful momentum.

Despite the loss, there were several individual performances worth recognizing for the Charge, particularly from forwards Zack Austin and Rashaun Agee, who provided much of the offensive production.

Austin finished with 27 points in 33 minutes, establishing himself as Cleveland’s most consistent perimeter scoring threat. The 6-foot-7 forward showcased his shooting ability, connecting on 7 of 16 attempts from beyond the three-point line. His ability to stretch the floor gave Cleveland an important offensive weapon, particularly when the Charge struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities in the half court.

Beyond his perimeter shooting, Austin demonstrated his athleticism by attacking closeouts and making several explosive drives to the basket. His combination of size, shooting ability, and offensive versatility allowed him to create opportunities even when the Cruise were applying defensive pressure. With Cleveland struggling to find consistent offensive production elsewhere, Austin’s scoring presence was an important bright spot.

Agee delivered another impressive individual performance, providing a physical presence in the paint while contributing across multiple areas of the game. The forward recorded 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out five assists. His ability to battle on the glass and create second-chance opportunities helped keep Cleveland competitive despite the considerable challenges presented by Motor City’s size and athleticism.

Agee consistently brought energy on both ends of the floor, competing for rebounds, finishing around the basket, and demonstrating an ability to facilitate for teammates. His five assists were particularly encouraging. Even when matched up against bigger defenders, Agee continued to compete physically and give Cleveland a reliable presence inside.

One of the more difficult performances of the night came from starting guard Noam Yaakov. The guard struggled to find his rhythm offensively, finishing with zero made field goals on eight attempts in 30 minutes of action. Motor City’s defensive pressure made it difficult for Yaakov to establish himself as a scoring threat, while four turnovers contributed to Cleveland’s overall total of 18 giveaways.

Although Yaakov was able to initiate the offense and help facilitate possessions, he struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities for himself. Defensively, the Cruise also appeared comfortable exploiting mismatches, putting Yaakov in difficult situations and making it challenging for him to establish a consistent presence on that end of the floor. His performance reflected some of the difficulties Cleveland experienced as a team against Motor City’s length, pressure, and athleticism.

Ultimately, this was a dominant road performance for Motor City as they controlled the game on both ends of the floor. Brice Williams’ 28-point performance headlined an efficient offensive effort, while the Cruise’s defensive intensity and transition game exposed several areas the Charge will need to address moving forward.

The Charge will look to bounce back this Saturday when they host the Sioux Falls Skyforce at 5:00 p.m. Cleveland will have an opportunity to regroup, make adjustments, and build on the positive individual performances from Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Motor City Cruise will look to carry their opening-night momentum into Friday evening when they return home to face the Noblesville Boom at 6:30 p.m.

This article was written by Joseph Dinatdo of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Kansas Rolls Past Kentucky in Champions Classic

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Chicago, IL – Kansas secured an 89-69 win over Kentucky in Tuesday night’s Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago. The Jayhawks established a 46-36 halftime advantage before extending their lead to as many as 23 points in the second half. Despite Kentucky getting off to an early 10-5 lead after the tip, Kansas maintained control through efficient perimeter shooting, transition opportunities, and balanced offensive execution.

Kansas senior Tre White led all scorers with 30 points and added six rebounds in 34 minutes. The 6’7 wing delivered an efficient offensive performance converting on 11-of-16 field goal attempts including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. White connected on catch and shoot opportunities while also displaying some flair with a step back three on zero gap pressure. His length and activity in transition allowed him to gain an advantage ahead of the defense including multiple finishes at the rim following Kentucky turnovers. His consistent scoring presence helped the Jayhawks increase their margin throughout the second half.

Freshman phenom Tyran Stokes showed why he will be one of the top picks in the draft this coming summer. The 6’8 forward from Louisville showcased an impressive, versatile arsenal connecting on 4-of-8 three-point attempts while demonstrating a fluid stroke from multiple areas of the floor. Stokes deceptively quick handle for his size enabled him to attack tight gaps in traffic and create opportunities off the dribble. His ability to secure defensive rebounds and initiate transition offense highlighted his potential as a versatile playmaker. Defensively, Stokes moved well laterally fighting over screens and utilized anticipation to help disrupt Kentucky’s offense. Although he experienced some difficulty finishing against Kentucky’s length at times at the basket, his combination of tangible assets was on full display.

Sixth year forward Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists while shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from the field. The 6’9 Purdue transfer displayed touch from all three levels connecting on a catch and shoot three, an old school hook shot from 10 feet, and using his physicality to score over bigger bodies at the rim. His passing ability was particularly noteworthy as well as he found cutters from the elbows and delivered timely backdoor passes within the team’s system. Kaufman-Renn also consistently battled for positioning on the glass, providing a toughness demeanor down low and allowing extra possessions for the Jayhawks.

On the other end of the floor, Kentucky’s sophomore guard Zoom Diallo led the Wildcats with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. The 6’6 guard demonstrated scoring versatility connecting on mid-range jumpers and spot-up perimeter opportunities. Diallo’s lean frame and ability to move effectively without the basketball allowed him to generate the team’s offense through timely cuts and perimeter movement. His shotmaking provided Kentucky with a reliable offensive option despite the team’s overall perimeter shooting struggles.

Sophomore center Malachi Moreno contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance. The 7’0 big man demonstrated poise operating on the low block to high post areas. He showed patience establishing positioning and displayed touch finishing against multiple defenders at times. Defensively he helped challenge drivers at the rim forcing difficult shot attempts while utilizing his wingspan to his advantage.

The Jayhawks connected on 10-of-26 three-point attempts while holding Kentucky to just 4-of-21 from beyond the arc. Although Kentucky forced 10 turnovers, they could not convert a single point from those defensive stops. Kansas meanwhile capitalized on Kentucky’s 15 turnovers generating 22 points while distributing 24 assists on 32 made field goals on a 38% shooting night compared to Kentucky’s 19%.

This article was written by Michael Schneiderman of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Michigan State Sets Tone Early in Champions Classic

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Chicago, IL – Michigan State controlled the tempo for much of Tuesday night’s Champions Classic matchup against Duke in a 79-73 victory behind the playmaking of Jeremy Fears Jr. and a balanced offensive attack. The Spartans established control early with defensive pressure and efficient transition opportunities to build a 34-25 halftime advantage. Despite Duke’s second-half comeback attempt, Michigan State maintained its lead throughout the contest to secure the victory.

Michigan State junior 6’2 point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. orchestrated the Spartan’s offense with 18 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds in 33 minutes of work. Fears consistently manipulated defenders in pick-and-roll situations demonstrating excellent court vision and an advanced ability to change speeds. His patience allowed him to draw help defenders before delivering timely drop off passes or quick hitters to rolling big men. The Joliet native attacked the basket utilizing his hangtime off floaters and crafty finishes against Duke’s interior length. Despite only shooting 3-of-9 from the field, Fears generated multiple fouls and converted on 12-of-17 free throw attempts.

6’6 230-pound junior forward Coen Carr contributed nine points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance in a short 17 minutes of action due to early foul trouble. Known for his explosive athleticism, Carr demonstrated hard finishes above the rim while also connecting on a perimeter three-pointer. The strong four man displayed soft touch with a turnaround mid-range jumper from 12 feet and was able to capitalize on opportunities created by Fears.  

Sophomore shooting guard Jordan Scott finished with five points and a team-high nine rebounds and six blocks in 31 minutes. Despite modest scoring production, Scott impacted the contest through defensive activity, length, and competitiveness. The 6’7 wing demonstrated good timing as a help defender disrupting passing lanes and challenging shot attempts with his wingspan. His willingness to pursue loose balls and battle on the glass provided value contributions.

The Spartan’s other off guard in 6’4 freshman Jasiah Jervis sparked Michigan State’s offense with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting including a pair of three pointers on four attempts. Jervis’ patience operating off ball screens and utilizing change of pace created openings within offensive flow. His ability to connect on a step-back three-pointer off the dribble showed shot making development as another perimeter scoring option.

For Duke, 6’5 senior John Blackwell led the Blue Devils with 17 points while connecting on 4-of-11 from three-point land. The Wisconsin combo guard transfer demonstrated confidence in catch-and-shoot opportunities from the corners which kept Duke in striking range throughout the last 10 minutes of the game. Blackwell showcased his ability to create off the dribble utilizing a spin move into a mid-range jumper and provided ball handling services throughout.

Junior center Patrick Ngongba contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 29 minutes of action. The 6’11 big man demonstrated passing instincts from the interior positions while displaying soft touch around the basket. Ngongba finished aggressively on cuts off the ball and converted on a baby hook through contact in tight traffic. His ability to facilitate offense from the front court added another dimension for Duke’s actions although he struggled from the free-throw line, converting on 7-of-13 attempts.

Four-man Drew Scharnowski also supplied a well-rounded offensive night for Duke coming off the bench. The 6’9 senior forward from local Burling Central had eight points on 2-of-3 from the field while going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe. In 15 minutes of action, he demonstrated a high motor consistently running the floor rim to rim while in the half court rolling to the basket effectively in pick and roll situations. In the rebounding department he provided timely tip outs to keep possessions alive while his willingness to be physical in the paint helped Duke’s second half push.

This article was written by Michael Schneiderman of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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George Washington Rolls Past Elon

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Washington, D.C. –George Washington opened its home game against Elon with a 17–8 lead, using its size to establish the ball in the paint. The pace was measured early, and Elon gradually worked its way back by increasing pressure, changing to a zone press, and taking advantage of George Washington mistakes. The Phoenix attacked in transition and competed on the boards, leaving the game nearly even at halftime: George Washington led 23–22, and both teams had 22 rebounds.

The second half changed the game. Lovro Urbiha hit two consecutive three-pointers to give George Washington a perimeter spark and help shift the offense into a more aggressive gear. Elon’s mistakes created transition chances for the Revolutionaries, while the home team began finishing possessions with better shooting. George Washington shot 50% from the field and 5-for-9 from three-point range in the second half, outscoring Elon 46–28. It finished 23-for-58 from the field and 5-for-18 from three; Elon shot 14-for-53 and 5-for-20 from beyond the arc.

George Washington also created separation inside, finishing with a 34–18 advantage in points in the paint and an 18–9 edge in second-chance points. Elon generated more fast-break scoring, 13 points to George Washington’s five, consistent with its preference for pushing the ball and attacking before the defense was set. The Phoenix’s effort on the glass kept the first half close, but George Washington’s second-half defense and shot-making proved decisive.

Urbiha led George Washington with 13 points, including two three-pointers. Dylan James and Omari Witherspoon each scored 12, while Jean Aranguren added 12 and Promis N’Landu contributed 10 off the bench. James also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for his first double-double as a Revolutionaries player. Andrija Vukovic, the backup center expected to play a significant role, began well but was limited by early fouls and eventually fouled out.

Joshua Dalton was the standout for Elon. The forward played 31 minutes and finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, recording a double-double while showing athleticism around the rim. He was particularly effective as the game progressed, with several strong defensive plays and finishes. His comfort level, ability to attack face-up, and willingness to shoot make him an important transfer for the Phoenix. Hunter Harding added eight points and six rebounds, while guard Raúl Villar showed useful passing feel in Elon’s transition and half-court offense, finishing with two assists.

George Washington closed out the 69–50 home win after a one-point halftime margin, improving to 3–0 and extending its early-season winning streak. The performance showed how the Revolutionaries can use their size inside, then change the game with perimeter shooting and defensive pressure after halftime.

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Columbia’s Second-Half Defensive Shift Fuels Win Over Stonehill

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Columbia flipped the game in the second half Monday night, using stronger defensive pressure, rebounding and timely three-point shooting to beat Stonehill 75-55 at Levien Gymnasium. The Lions trailed 36-34 at halftime before outscoring the Skyhawks 41-19 over the final 20 minutes.

Early on, the two teams were feeling each other out. Columbia tried to create offense with shooters coming off screens, touches to the big men in the post and extra passes to the open man. Stonehill looked to attack through pick-and-roll actions, finding cutters toward the basket and shooters in the corners. Both teams opened in man-to-man defense, but the Skyhawks switched to a 2-3 zone at the 16:22 mark of the first half, an adjustment that slowed Columbia’s rhythm.

Stonehill took advantage of its early opportunities, shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in the first half. The Skyhawks pushed their lead to 27-16 with 7:10 remaining. Felipe Patino was a major part of that stretch. The junior guard scored 12 first-half points, knocking down corner threes and cutting to the basket when the defense lost track of him.

Columbia kept fighting to get back into the game. Gerard O’Keefe was comfortable shooting off screens and helped the Lions make a late push. Gabe Hornberger also hit back-to-back three-pointers to briefly give Columbia a 34-31 advantage. However, Ewan Steele answered with a buzzer-beating three that sent Stonehill into halftime ahead by two.

Coming out of the locker room, neither team could get much going offensively. The first 4:22 of the half went scoreless before O’Keefe connected from deep, and the Lions started to settle in. Columbia made its biggest difference on the defensive end, where its physicality and pressure disrupted Stonehill’s ball handlers and kept the Skyhawks from getting the same clean looks they had in the first half.

Columbia started sending double teams toward Stonehill’s guards around the 12:30 mark, then returned to man-to-man around 11:50. Stonehill stayed in its zone looks before shifting from a 2-3 to a 3-2 around 8:15. But the Lions continued to find ways to score, while Columbia’s big men controlled important rebounding possessions.

Hampton Sanders provided a spark off the bench with timely shooting and good decisions moving the ball. He finished with 14 points, four assists and three steals, hitting four three-pointers. Josiah Cunningham added 12 points off the bench, and Connor Igoe finished with nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Columbia held a 45-35 edge on the glass and converted Stonehill’s 14 turnovers into 16 points.

O’Keefe closed the game with authority. Over a stretch late in the second half, he scored three straight Columbia baskets, including a transition three, to help stretch the lead to 70-49. He finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His movement without the ball and confidence as a catch-and-shoot threat stood out throughout the night.

Patino finished with a team-high 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including three three-pointers, but Stonehill could not maintain its earlier offensive production. The Skyhawks shot just 25 percent in the second half and made only two of 13 three-point attempts after the break. Columbia, meanwhile, made 14 threes overall and held Stonehill to 19 second-half points.

The biggest takeaway was Columbia’s ability to change the game defensively. Stonehill had the better offensive flow early, but the Lions adjusted, won the rebounding battle and leaned on their shooters to turn a halftime deficit into a convincing win.

This article was written by Jarrett Pinckney of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

William & Mary Takes Care of Norfolk State

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Williamsburg, VA – The close distance between Williamsburg and Norfolk gave this matchup a rivalry feel, and both teams brought an energetic, physical style to Kaplan Arena. William & Mary turned the game into a fast-paced offensive performance, defeating Norfolk State 104–73. The Tribe took control early, leading 54–35 at halftime, then scored 50 more points after the break while Norfolk State managed 38.

William & Mary’s Princeton-style offense, led by head coach Brian Earl, kept all five players involved as scorers and facilitators. The Tribe used ball movement, cuts, handoffs, and pick-and-roll actions to create open looks, including opportunities for guards in the corners. William & Mary applied its zone press for much of the game, pressuring Norfolk State and disrupting its initial organization. Norfolk State sometimes broke through the first layer and found transition opportunities but missed layups and open shots made it difficult to build momentum.

Rebounding and shooting helped decide the game. William & Mary outrebounded Norfolk State 46–29, including 15 offensive rebounds, and shot 44.1% from three-point range, making 15 of 34 attempts. Norfolk State made 8 of 24 threes for 33.3%. William & Mary also held a 40–24 advantage in points in the paint and received 69 points from its bench. Norfolk State’s guards played physically and tried to attack the middle and sides of the defense, but the Tribe’s rebounding and scoring depth kept the visitors from closing the gap.

Stas Sivka, William & Mary’s Slovenian forward, finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and three made threes. He started slowly but became more assertive after halftime, showing his shooting touch and passing ability. His perimeter skill fits William & Mary’s smaller lineups, though his shooting consistency and strength will be important areas to monitor if he continues playing inside. Will Feagles added 14 points, including four three-pointers, while Gavin Ward scored 12. Brian Carter Jr. also stood out as an athletic, undersized wing with impressive length and hands. He showed confidence handling the ball and attacking defenders; developing his shot remains an important next step.

For Norfolk State, C.J. Riley Jr. led the way with 12 points and nine rebounds, providing much of the team’s presence on the glass. Bahsil Laster scored 11 points, all from the free-throw line, despite going 0-for-7 from the field. Dramane Camara and Keon Mitchell each added 10 points. Norfolk State continued to compete with its physical approach and improved its scoring after halftime, but it could not match William & Mary’s shooting, rebounding, or bench production.

It was an entertaining night for the Williamsburg crowd and a strong showcase for mid-major basketball: fast, physical, and driven by contrasting styles. William & Mary’s offensive execution and work on the boards carried the day, while William & Mary’s zone press and Norfolk State’s aggressive play created moments of pressure but did not make enough shots to change the outcome.

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Binghamton Controls the Tempo, Defeats Rider

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Binghamton Bearcats used efficient shooting, strong ball movement, and defensive pressure to earn a 75-63 victory over the Rider Broncs. Led by standout performances from Jeremiah Quigley, Dylan Godfrey, and Demetrius Lilley, Binghamton established control early and maintained its advantage throughout the contest.

The game opened with both teams exchanging competitive offensive and defensive possessions. Binghamton began creating separation by pushing the tempo, attacking the weak side of Rider’s defense, and generating quality scoring opportunities.

Dylan Godfrey helped establish the Bearcats’ offensive rhythm with efficient shot-making. He finished with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including two three-pointers, providing a reliable scoring presence throughout his 35 minutes.

Jeremiah Quigley also played an important role in organizing Binghamton’s offense. His ability to facilitate, read the defense, and create opportunities for teammates helped the Bearcats maintain offensive flow. Meanwhile, Lilley provided a strong interior presence, consistently competing for rebounds and creating additional possessions.

Rider continued to battle and attempted to cut into the deficit. Khalil Farmer led the Broncs offensively, finishing with 15 points while providing an important scoring option. Horace Simmons Jr. also supplied a spark off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing with 12 points.

Despite Rider’s efforts, Binghamton’s offensive execution allowed the Bearcats to take a 42-32 lead into halftime.

Binghamton carried its momentum into the second half, continuing to push the pace and attack Rider through transition opportunities and effective ball movement.

Quigley delivered one of the game’s most complete performances, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. His ability to score while creating opportunities for others demonstrated his impact as the primary offensive facilitator. He consistently helped Binghamton find quality looks and maintain control of the game.

Godfrey continued to provide efficient scoring, while Lilley controlled the glass with 16 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Lilley’s work on the offensive glass gave Binghamton valuable second-chance opportunities and limited Rider’s ability to finish defensive possessions.

Rider attempted to stay within striking distance behind Farmer’s scoring and Simmons Jr.’s perimeter shooting. However, the Broncs struggled to generate consistent offensive opportunities against Binghamton’s defensive pressure. The Bearcats maintained a lead of more than 10 points for much of the second half, eventually closing out the 75-63 victory.

This article was written by Robert Moore of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Oregon State Runs Past Cal Baptist in Corvallis

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Corvallis, OR – Both Oregon State and Cal Baptist teams entered their second game of the 2026-27 season after hosting home openers, with Oregon State beating Weber State 102-61, while Cal Baptist lost to visiting North Florida 71-63.

The first half of play was competitive early with eight lead changes, as the Lancers were only down ten points 44-34 at the break. However, following halftime Oregon State outscored Cal Baptist 52-34, leading the Beavers to a 96-68 victory. The high scorer for the game was 6’5” sophomore guard Legend Smiley, who produced 21 points (FG 9-13, 3FG 3-7), four rebounds, and two assists. Smiley was the most consistent scorer on the floor throughout both halves; he displayed a really nice shooting touch and trajectory on his jump shot, which will continue to open up driving lanes for his slashing teammates during the year. He finished +/- +22 on the efficiency chart.

The first half was competitive until 6’6” sophomore forward Deshawn Gory took over, scoring 14 of his 18 points (FG 8-13, 3FG 2-6) to carry the team. A very talented, shifty wing who is dangerous if he gets you in one-on-one matchups, he’s a high-level skilled player who can do it all on the offensive side of the floor, and as a slasher has a really nice floater in the toolbox as well. 6’3” senior guard Chris Johnson (+16) did a really nice job of running the point during some spurts and hit a three-pointer before halftime He used his speed and strength in the center of the floor to facilitate, create, and score 10 points (FG 4-8, 3FG 2-4), adding three rebounds, and one assist.

Terry Coner Jr. was one of the lone bright spots for Cal Baptist as the left-handed, speedy, shifty guard showed all evening he was physical and skilled enough to enter the paint to create plays for his teammates. He scored 11 of his team-high 16 points (FG 6-10, 3FG 0-1, FT 4-10) in the first half to keep the Lancers within reach. In addition, he had three rebounds and a 4/0 assist-to-turnover ratio. His improved shooting touch will open every lane for this team.

Lancers: The Lancers tried to rally in the second half, getting the lead down to 72-62 with 8 minutes remaining in the game after buckets by 6’9” sophomore forward ARene D’Amelio, and 6’6” sophomore guard Justas Stonkus,  who is a very interesting prospect from Europe to watch grow over the next two seasons. Stonkus definitely has some basketball skills to complement physical talents, height, size, strength, athleticism, and a good feel for the game; he scored 12 points (FG 4-9, 3FG 2-4, FT 2-2) with two rebounds, one assist, and three steals. 6’9” freshman forward Anton Safin is another player to keep an eye on his development. He’s a stretch big who could start the transition game off defensive rebounding with ball handling skills, and knock down outside shots. He had nine points (FG 3-3, 3FG 3-3) and four rebounds.

Beavers: One week ago (Oct. 29th), a pair of 6’2” Beaver guards, Sr. Josiah Lake II and Jr. Daniel Freitag, were both named to the Pac-12 pre-season “Impact List” profiling some of their strengths, which were on full display this evening in the victory. Lake had the 2nd highest efficiency rating (+/- at +26), displaying good decision-making while attacking with precision speed and strength from the lead PG position to score 15 points (FG 5-7, 3FG 3-4, FT 2-2) with four rebounds, and four assists. Freitag (+/- +10) scored nine points and added four rebounds, and three assists. Both players had zero turnovers.

7’1” freshman center Xavion Staton is a very bright upside player who brings rim protection, size, energy, and athleticism immediately to the game. He had eight points (FG 3-5, FT 2-2), six rebounds, five assists, and one block to go along with the highest efficiency rating of any player on the court (+/- at +29).

In the end, Oregon State played ten players, wearing down Cal Baptist. They outrebounded them 35-23 and had only six turnovers the entire game versus Cal Baptist’s 12.

Key Game Stats

Points in the Paint: Oregon State 48 – Cal Baptist 24      

2nd Chance Points: Oregon State 20 – Cal Baptist 5

Bench Points: Oregon State 42 – Cal Baptist 26    

Cal Baptist (0-2, 0-0) hosts Chicago State (1-1, 0-0) on November 11th @ 7:00 pm, while

Oregon State (2-0, 0-0) hosts Eastern Washington (0-2, 0-0) on November 9th @ 6:30 pm.

This article was written by Lorenzo Leaks of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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