Key Takeaways
- The RIT men’s basketball team lost to Vassar at home with a score of 73-64.
- Graduate student forward Josiah Turner led all scorers with a career-high 31 points.
- RIT will host RPI on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 4:00 PM in Clark Gymnasium.
- The team trailed by 13 points at halftime but mounted a strong second-half push, outscoring Vassar 42-38.
- Junior guard Zac Ditzel added 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
Introduction to the Game
The RIT men’s basketball team faced a tough opponent in Vassar, ultimately falling short with a score of 73-64. The game took place at home, and despite a strong second-half push, the team was unable to overcome the early deficit. The Tigers trailed 35-22 at halftime, but outscored the Brewers 42-38 in the second half. This resilience was not enough, however, as Vassar secured the win with a few crucial baskets and free throws in the final minutes of the game.
The Game’s Progression
The game began with Vassar taking an early lead, scoring 10 points in the first five minutes. This set the tone for the rest of the game, with the Brewers maintaining their advantage throughout. A 13-4 surge midway through the first half extended Vassar’s lead to double digits, and they carried a 35-22 lead into halftime. In the second half, RIT forced a pair of turnovers, sparking a 7-0 run that cut the deficit to single digits. With 6:40 remaining, junior guard Zac Ditzel’s layup brought the Tigers within six points, their closest margin since the opening minutes. However, Vassar responded with back-to-back baskets and converted four free throws in the final minute to secure the win.
Notable Performances
Graduate student forward Josiah Turner had a standout performance, leading all scorers with a career-high 31 points. He finished 12-of-21 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and converted 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. In addition to his impressive scoring, Turner also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. Junior guard Zac Ditzel added 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, providing a much-needed spark for the Tigers. These performances demonstrate the skill and dedication of the RIT players, even in the face of adversity.
Upcoming Game
RIT will look to bounce back from this loss as they host RPI on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 4:00 PM in Clark Gymnasium. This upcoming game provides an opportunity for the team to regroup and refocus, working to improve their performance and secure a win. With the memory of their strong second-half push against Vassar still fresh, the Tigers will likely come out determined to make a statement against RPI. The game is sure to be an exciting matchup, with RIT seeking to prove themselves against a new opponent.
Conclusion
The RIT men’s basketball team faced a tough challenge in their game against Vassar, ultimately falling short with a score of 73-64. Despite a strong second-half push, the team was unable to overcome the early deficit. However, notable performances from Josiah Turner and Zac Ditzel demonstrate the skill and dedication of the RIT players. As the team looks ahead to their upcoming game against RPI, they will seek to build on their strengths and work to improve their performance. With determination and perseverance, the Tigers will strive to secure a win and make a positive impact in their next matchup.
