bearsports.wustl.eduThe Washington University men’s basketball team ended their Thanksgiving weekend victoriously at the David Wells Classic tournament hosted in Claremont, California. The Bears defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges 73-68 in overtime Friday, Nov. 25, earning them a shot in the championship game Saturday, where they took on the challenge, beating Pomona-Pitzer Colleges 70-60. The two big tournament wins improved the Bears season record to 3-2.
Head Coach Mark Edwards’ squad has emerged as an unselfish ball club this year, demonstrated in the games this past weekend. The Red and Green displayed their ability to share the ball as four players reported double-figure scoring and more than six players having at least one assist in each of the tournament games.
“We move the ball around a lot better than last year, and everyone is getting shots,” said senior captain Mike Grunst. “Our inside-out play is great and it was a large part of us winning this tournament.”
Grunst averaged 11.5 points and nine rebounds in the tournament while his co-captain, junior Scott Stone, also posted impressive numbers averaging 13 points and three assists in the tournament.
Another critical factor to the Bear’s tournament success was sophomore forward Troy Ruths. Ruths, who had a standout season as a freshman last season, scored a career-high 24 points in the exciting overtime win against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, including shooting 10-for-11 from the foul line.
Coach Edwards was pleased with his overall performance.
“Troy had a really strong tournament that went beyond just his scoring. He set up his teammates really well and got them the ball for open shots,” said Edwards.
The sophomore is off to an impressive start to the season, leading the team in scoring with 18 points per game, while contributing 5.6 rebounds per game. Ruths is also shooting .857 from the free throw line.
Freshmen Tyler Nading was another important contributor in the Bears wins. Despite his inexperience at the college level, Nading demonstrated his comfortable and quick transition to the Bears style of play, scoring a career-high 18 points in the championship game, as well as shooting 8-of-9 from the field. Nading’s potential to score is one of the Bears’ many assets this year.
While the Red and Green started off their season with two straight losses against Robert Morris College on Nov. 18 and Simpson College on Nov. 19, 73-76 and 84-96, respectively, they have picked up as of late, winning their last three straight.
The Bears will resume play tonight in the 22nd Annual Lopata Classic against University of Dallas at 8 p.m. in the University’s Field House. The Bears will either play at 6 or 8 p.m. Saturday night in the consolation or championship match. Coach Edwards and his Bears are ready to tip off at home after being on the road four of the last five games.