The Case Western Reserve University men’s basketball team fell to a 5-11 record after two losses this week, first against Brandeis University (93-101) and then New York University (73-80). In the matchup against Brandeis, the Judges dominated the first half, opening the second with a commanding 22-point lead. Despite this, the Spartans fought back, narrowing the deficit to 11 points with 2:49 remaining. Fourth-year guard Sam Trunley gave the team hope with a clutch 3-pointer that brought the Spartans within 5 points with 39 seconds left. Unfortunately, that would be their final basket, as Brandeis secured the win 101-93.
Trunley was the standout performer of the game, leading all scorers with 31 points on an impressive 11-of-22 shooting effort. Ranked 11th nationally in Division III for points per game, Trunley has consistently been a key offensive player for the Spartans. This was his 10th game leading the team in scoring, his third 30-point game and his ninth effort of 20 or more points this season.
CWRU’s early struggles stemmed from Brandeis’ extraordinary first-half shooting. The Judges hit 71.88% of their field goals and 53.85% of their 3-point attempts in the opening 20 minutes, creating a deficit the Spartans ultimately could not overcome.
Two days after their loss to Brandeis, the Spartans faced off against the No. 6-ranked NYU Bobcats at home. The game was a tightly contested battle, with the first half ending in NYU’s favor at 39-35.
NYU maintained their lead until first-year forward Nolan Demski hit a 3-pointer, tying the game at 51-51 with 10:17 remaining. The Spartans stayed within striking distance and a layup by first-year guard Matthew Ellis with just 55 seconds left brought them within 3 points, 73-70. However, NYU capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, sinking seven of eight attempts in the final minute to fend off the Spartans and secure the victory.
Fourth-year forward Umar Rashid delivered a stellar performance, notching a career-high 32 points to lead all scorers. Rashid played all 40 minutes, shooting 12-of-23 from the field, 4-of-8 from 3-point range and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also contributed a team-high 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in an impressive all-around effort.
After an impressive 23-5 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the 2023-24 NCAA tournament, the Spartans face a challenging start to the 2024-25 season with a 5-11 record. The team graduated eight players in the offseason and welcomed seven first-year recruits, which may explain the struggles of this young roster.
The Spartans are set to face the University of Rochester on Jan. 31, followed by a matchup against the No. 11-ranked Emory University on Feb. 2.