CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Washington University in St. Louis men’s basketball team celebrated a thrilling win against Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), finishing the game with a score of 100-93. This victory improves the Bears’ record to 11-3 overall and 1-2 in the University Athletic Association (UAA) conference.
First-year player Theo Rocca shone bright, scoring a personal best of 19 points in just 19 minutes. Junior Ryan Cohen also contributed significantly with 17 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Senior Yogi Oliff added 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while sophomores Connor May and Anthony Przybilla each scored 14 points.
The Bears quickly gained momentum, leading by 14 points within the first five minutes. May kicked off a strong 13-point run with a jumper. His scoring spree was followed by impressive plays from Kapral and Rocca, helping WashU build a 20-point lead by halftime.
CWRU tried to close the gap in the second half, cutting the Bears’ lead to 14 points. However, WashU’s quick responses maintained their advantage. Despite several attempts from CWRU to narrow the score, including a run that cut the lead to just eight points late in the game, WashU held firm and secured the win with Rocca’s final layup.
The statistics were compelling. The Bears shot 29-for-57 overall (50.9%), including 10-for-23 from beyond the arc (43.5%). On the boards, CWRU edged them slightly with 43 rebounds to WashU’s 41.
Basketball, like many sports, thrives on statistics. A recent survey showed that over 60% of fans enjoy following player performances and game stats, which only adds to the excitement of moments like this one.
As WashU prepares for its next match against New York University on January 23, they carry the momentum of this hard-fought win. This season, the Bears face the challenge of balancing their academics and athletics, an experience mirrored by many student-athletes across the nation.
For more insights on collegiate athletic performance and educational balance, check out resources from the NCAA.
