MEN’S BASKETBALL RETURNS TO ROCHESTER HILLS TO FACE SIENA HEIGHTS

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The Warriors (10-2, 5-1) will look to bounce back from their Saturday loss with a game against WHAC opponent Siena Heights (5-7, 2-4) on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Garth Pleasant Arena. The Warriors started strongly in the first half of WHAC play and will look to continue that momentum.

THREE KEY THINGS

WARRIORS AIM TO IMPROVE REBOUNDING

Saturday's loss to #9 Indiana Wesleyan was a tough way to end 2023 for the Warriors, with rebounding being one of the main culprits during the contest. Without starting center Stavros Polatoglou, the Warriors were outrebounded 42-29 during the contest. Rochester must clean things up on the glass to secure a victory.

BALANCED SCORING FROM SAINTS

Although the Saints have had some issues with scoring throughout the season, averaging 60.8 points per game, three different Saints average double-digit points per game, with senior guard Delano Williams leading the way. Junior Trevon Clark and senior Jonny Bowers have also had multiple solid scoring outings, but the Saints have dealt with injuries throughout the season.

ROCHESTER LOOKS TO STAY UNDEFEATED AT HOME

The Warriors have done a great job of defending home court, currently sitting at 8-0 when playing in Garth Pleasant Arena. The Warriors score 85.1 points per game at home compared to 80.5 on the road, and efficiency metrics also improve when the Warriors are in Rochester Hills. As winter break ends, Rochester will need the home crowd's energy.

COACH'S CORNER

Head Coach Klint Pleasant had this to say on preparation for the contest:

"SHU is well coached and they can score in a variety of ways. We will need to be locked in on the defensive end and not settle for average shots on the offensive end."

SPORTS INFORMATION SPOTLIGHT

Guard Bralin Toney has entered the WHAC's top five in three-point percentage, now at 46.4%. Guard Gunner Walters still leads the conference at 53.1%.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

#14 Lourdes and #RV Madonna are still undefeated in conference play at 6-0, with the two Warrior squads (Rochester and Indiana Tech) both sitting at 5-1. A matchup between Lourdes and Madonna is imminent on Jan. 6.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics