MEN’S BASKETBALL HOSTS TRAVIS BASS CLASSIC

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Men's Basketball (1-0) is set for the Travis Bass Classic, where the team will take on the Saint Xavier Cougars and the Taylor Trojans (1-1) during the two-day event. Rochester will look to continue the efficient shooting showcased against the Lambton Lions, where the Warriors won 116-59.

ABOUT TRAVIS BASS

Travis was a dear friend of Head Basketball Coach Klint Pleasant, with the pair playing football together at Abilene Christian University from 1994-1996. The two remained extremely close after college and were major influences in each other's lives.

Travis was diagnosed with ALS in 2007. He fought hard for four years before passing away due to complications from the disease in May 2011.

Travis and Coach Pleasant shared an incredible bond. Not a day went by where they did not talk - until Travis was too weak to do so. During basketball seasons, Travis traveled across the country with Coach Pleasant, watching him coach at Wayne State University, University of Tennesee-Martin, Kent State University, Abilene Christian University, and of course, Rochester University. Travis was one of Rochester basketball's biggest fans and supporters.

The Travis Bass Classic is played to raise money for ALS research, with the local ALS chapter present at the games. Warrior Athletics is not only proud to honor the memory of Travis but all families affected by ALS.

WARRIORS VS. SAINT XAVIER - FRIDAY, NOV. 3 - 5 P.M.

Rochester begins with a matchup against Saint Xavier, who has yet to play a game this season. The Cougars are a formidable opponent, as the team produced a 24-8 record last season and had a strong showing in CCAC play, going 16-4.

The Cougars bring back CCAC Co-Newcomer of the Year Cedric Johnson, who averaged 14.2 points and 3.2 assists per game. Johnson was also named CCAC Second Team All-Conference. The Cougars had a few key departures from last season, including NAIA All-American Third Team nominee Jaedin King.

The Cougars bring plenty of size, with several players standing over 6-7. Saint Xavier's offense will be what to watch this season, as the team had several games last year scoring over 100 points.

WARRIORS VS. TAYLOR - SATURDAY, NOV. 4 - 1:00 PM

It'll be a battle of two teams with strong traditions on Saturday. Taylor, the team famous for its 'Silent Night' Christmas celebration, will come to town after already defeating WHAC opponent Northwestern Ohio in its season opener.

The Trojans bring in a high-flying roster led by junior Anton Webb. Webb has been on a tear to begin the season, averaging a double-double at 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. Webb has had a breakout season to this point, after showing tremendous improvement in the 2022-23 season.

Last year, Taylor had a bit of an underwhelming season at 14-16. However, much like Webb, last year's record showed improvement for the program, who will look to prove doubters wrong this season. Rochester will need to hit the boards hard to ensure a win.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics