ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.- Sonoma State Men's Basketball avenged an earlier loss this season against the visiting Gators of San Francisco State. It was a balanced effort that saw the team execute defensively and capitalize on offense with great ball movement. The Seawolves picked up a key win as they remain in the hunt for a spot in the CCAA Conference Tournament!
The emphasis of the night was the Seawolves work on the defensive end of the court, most notably along the perimeter. For the game Sonoma only allowed the Gators to hit five shots from behind the arc at a 29% clip. Not only was the perimeter defense dialed in in terms of limiting shots but Sonoma's active hands in passing lanes and ability to front offensive players in the post led to 14 steals and 18 turnovers overall. Nick Medieros and Jack Schultz were incredibly effective all game long at disrupting Gators offensive flow. Medieros came up with a game high 4 steals. Schultz did an excellent job operating as the Seawolves power forward and on multiple occasions used his positioning and length to disrupt post entry passes leading to a pair of steals for himself. All in all Sonoma was able to drive their offense through their defense as they would score 22 points off of 21 generated turnovers.
Overall it was a balanced offensive effort as six players recorded at least six points. Medeiros led the way with 18 points thanks to his ability to rise up in the midrange. With under two minutes to play Medeiros all but took the game over hitting a pair of clutch jumpers and a free throw for good measure. His five points in just under two minutes effectively closed out the Gators chances of a rally.
Fellow guard Chris Holley continues to play some of the most well rounded basketball in the entire conference. For the night he finished with 10 points, four assists, five rebounds and a steal. Holley is an offense unto himself, especially when attacking down hill. His quick first step and ability to finish with either hand make him lethal when scoring at the rim. For good measure, his willingness to get others involved is a big reason he currently tops the conference leaderboards in total assists and assist to turnover ratio in conference play.
The trio of Julian Bryant, Aaron Ragen and Jack Schultz also did well to balance the offensive attack while also filling up the box score as a whole. Schultz's hot shooting continued as he hit two three pointers but he continued to do the little things including grabbing five rebounds and dishing out three assists. Fellow marksmen Aaron Ragen also hit two threes as well but did his best work facilitating as he also had four assists tying Holley for a game high. Lastly, swiss army knife Julian Bryant also hit two shots from deep while also coming up with a pair of steals and four rebounds highlighting his ability to do a little bit of everything.
It was a big time win for Sonoma who now prepares for a road trip with a trip down to Cal Poly Pomona coming up. The last time these two teams met it was a thrilling double overtime game with the Broncos just edging out the Seawolves in the final frame. Coach Shayewitz and the team will be looking forward to an opportunity at some revenge against a CCAA rival!
