Scott BresslerThe Bears remain in the thick of UAA conference play as they travel to Rochester, N.Y. and then to Pittsburgh, Pa. this weekend.
The top-ranked men’s team (14-2, 5-0 UAA) looks to build upon its 12-game winning streak, which was capped by an emotional come-from-behind 71-69 win over then No. 2 Brandeis University.
Washington University had only 1:39 left to erase a seven-point deficit. Forward junior Tyler Nading started the rally with a trip to the charity stripe, converting one of two shots. Seconds later, center senior Troy Ruths, who was UAA Athlete of the Week, penetrated into the paint and made a layup.
With high defensive pressure, sophomore forward Cameron Smith stole the ball on the ensuing Brandeis’ possession. The Bears missed a shot from behind the arc, but Troy Ruths was there for the rebound, making a three-point play that cut Brandeis’ lead to one with only 29.3 seconds left to go.
Ruths pulled through with yet another three-point game-winning play. The Judges didn’t quit, but their last-second three-point attempt failed. The points placed Ruths sixth on the all-time Wash. U. scoring list with 1,450. Ruths is now only 18 points away from grabbing a share of fifth on the list.
The Red and Green currently lead the UAA in assists and in three-point shooting with at least one trey in the past 265 games. Third-ranked University of Rochester (15-1, 4-1 UAA) has historically been a tough team, producing some of the most exciting games in UAA history against Wash. U. Rochester was unbeaten until Jan. 25 when they were upset by Emory University in an 81-76 overtime thriller. Seven of the last 10 contests between the Yellowjackets and the Bears were decided by five or fewer points.
“We respect Rochester very much,” said co-captain Nading. “We know they are a very, very capable team.”
The Bears lost their last match, played a year ago, against the Yellowjackets by five points.
“I have personally never won there in my experience at Wash. U,” said Nading. “This will be a good one to go out and get.”
The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (EST) in the Louis Alexander Palestra.
The Bears will also play Carnegie Mellon University (11-5, 1-4 UAA) on Sunday, with tip off at noon EST in the Skibo Gymnasium.
Lady Bears Looking to Bounce Back
The Lady Bears (12-4, 4-1 UAA), who saw their seven-game victory streak halted at Brandeis will look to restart their winning ways against the No. 10 University of Rochester Yellowjackets (15-1, 5-0 UAA) at 6 p.m. EST Friday night. After this contest, they will wrap up their road trip by turning their attention toward the Carnegie Mellon University Tartans (7-9, 0-5 UAA) on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST. The Bears have not lost to Carnegie Mellon since the 1992-1993 season.
Wash. U. had an emotional 66-60 win over arch rival and then eighth-ranked New York University last Friday. On Sunday, the Red and Green suffered a 66-48 setback against Brandeis University as shots did not fall. The Bears shot 25 percent throughout the game and sent the Judges to the free-throw line 28 times. Brandeis took advantage of the charity shots and the poor shooting with 17 free throws and an unanswered 15-point run in the second period.
The Bears have been working extremely hard at practice to correct the mistakes that were made last weekend.
“We have a philosophy,” said Head Coach Nancy Fahey. “When you get beat, you have to make that push you forward. I know they’ll compete on Friday night.”
Wash. U. holds a 34-7 all-time record against Rochester entering into the game. The Bears swept the Yellowjackets last season. However, the University of Rochester, which is first in the UAA, rides a 13-game winning streak after a 75-70 win against Case Western Reserve University last weekend.
“We’re all very excited,” said sophomore forward Janice Evans. “We’re ready to come back.”