In a stunning upset on Thursday night, the Benedictine Mesa Men's Basketball team triumphed over the UC Merced Bobcats with a final score of 67-55.
UC Merced took an early lead, but the Redhawks quickly responded with
Quincy Reece's shot, initiating a competitive night for BenU. At the 12:55 mark, the Redhawks claimed the lead for the first time at 6-5. Despite the Bobcats briefly regaining the lead at 11-12,
Chris Aibuedefe swiftly shifted the momentum with a 3-pointer, reclaiming the lead at 14-12. From that point on, the Redhawks dominated, scoring 30 points to Merced's 18, concluding the first half on a strong note.
Entering the second half with determination, the Benedictine Men displayed even greater effort. Embarking on a 10-point run, they surged ahead by 20. Although the Bobcats managed to halt the run, they couldn't regain the lead. The Redhawks maintained their intensity, consistently scoring 3-pointers and showcasing a physical style of play. This relentless effort resulted in a resounding victory, sealing the game at 67-55.
Standout Players:
- Chris Aibuedefe delivered a career-high performance, contributing 17 points and 8 rebounds. Aibuedefe showcased exceptional accuracy, shooting 71% from the 3-point line and 60% from the field.
- Emad Elniel had a record-setting night, achieving a career-high of 3 assists along with 14 points and 4 rebounds.
- Tanner Crawford rounded out the standout performances with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block.
Looking Ahead:
The Redhawks Men's Basketball team will return to the court at home on Saturday, January 13th, at 6:00 PM at the Coyote Center. Fans can expect another exciting game, especially if it resembles their triumph on Thursday night.
