MEN'S BASKETBALL ENTERS CONFERENCE PLAY UNDEFEATED FOLLOWING TIM HORTON'S CLASSIC

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The Warriors' (5-0) only donut of the weekend was in the loss column, with Rochester winning both its games in the Tim Horton's Classic to end the season opening on a solid note. In two hard-fought contests, Rochester prevailed with resilient efforts on offense against Indiana Northwest (2-2) and Calumet St. Joseph (1-4).

WARRIORS VS. INDIANA NORTHWEST - FINAL: 71-70

Gunner Walters, Bralin Toney, and James Fisher would headline the Friday night matchup between the Redhawks and Warriors, with Walters hitting a game-winning three with one second remaining to help the Warriors win what was an ugly contest from the offensive end.

Off the bench, Fisher had the most dominant game of his career so far - 17 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks, including an emphatic dunk rejection in the second half. Fisher's impact on both ends of the floor was immense, as the forward grabbed eight rebounds, including a crucial one off a missed free throw that set up Walters' game-winning shot.

"James' ability to rebound above the rim and do it consistently is a tremendous skill he brings," Head Coach Klint Pleasant said. "He was a grown man on both ends of the court tonight, and if it weren't for missed bunnies he'd typically make, it would've been even more impressive."

Despite shooting less than 40% from the field, the Warriors' defense secured crucial stops when needed, including several vital steals in the final five minutes after what seemed like a game-ending run by the Redhawks. Sophomore Bralin Toney also had a significant role off the bench, helping set up an important run for Rochester in the first half after momentum went in Indiana Northwest's favor.

Toney hit several big shots, including a tightly contested corner three in the second half. However, the four assists Toney set up, including a great dime in the paint to Fisher, helped give Rochester life when needed. Speaking of great passes, junior Anthony Cukaj had a spectacular nutmeg pass on a fast break from the floor during a Warriors' 8-2 run.

Despite having an inefficient night from the field, guard Brody Parker also made key plays, including a brilliant steal on an inbounds play in the second half to secure an easy two points - which certainly had a role in the one-point victory.

Rochester out-assisted the Redhawks 16-10, but statistics across the board for both teams were even. Bench scoring proved pivotal for the Warriors, who outscored the visitors 32-9, with Toney and Fisher leading the way.

"We wanted to keep the ball in the middle of the court and allow our playmakers to have space and see their reads," Pleasant said. "We kept things simple down the stretch because we'd had good shots all game and couldn't get them to fall, so we emphasized shooting with confidence."

WARRIORS VS. CALUMET ST. JOSEPH - FINAL: 76-69

Rochester's second win of the weekend wasn't easy, as the Crimson Wave made sure to give the Warrior defense plenty of trouble in the first half, shooting 58.6% from the field. Rochester's adjustments at the half made a significant difference, with Calumet shooting 35.1% in the final 20.

After a slow start in the first half, Parker shook off the slump and took over the game. The Oakland transfer scored 14 second-half points on 7-13 shooting, shooting many high-difficulty floaters in traffic, including a stunning hook shot over the outstretched arms of a Calumet defender. Overall, Parker scored 18 points.

Rochester's three-point shooting helped make a difference, with nine more points off the strip than Calumet. Scoring for Rochester was also very balanced in this game, with four players scoring in double-figures. Transfer Brett White had a strong game off the bench, scoring 12 while grabbing five rebounds.

Walters joined Fisher in the double-double club, scoring 12 while dishing out 12 assists. Even more impressive was the lack of turnovers for Walters, who only had two. Walters' shot creation was vital to the Warriors' second half, creating looks out of thin air for his teammates. One of those looks came off a no-look pass into the middle for an easy layup for junior Stavros Polatoglou.

After going scoreless in the weekend's first game, Cukaj answered the call and recorded 14 points. Fisher continued his strong weekend, scoring nine points while pulling down eight rebounds.

UP NEXT

Rochester begins WHAC play, first traveling to Ann Arbor for a matchup with the Concordia Cardinals (2-1) on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics