Jace Austin
Contributing Writer
The Fighting Scots men’s basketball team traveled to Rochester, New York to showcase their talents at the UR Chuck Resler Tournament. Wooster embarked on a promising start, securing a convincing win in their first game of the season against Rochester University with a final score of 78-60. Forward Nick Everett ’24 emerged as a standout player, leading the charge with an impressive offensive effort, finishing with 25 points. His efficiency was noteworthy, going 12 for 17 from the floor and securing seven rebounds. The Fighting Scots found themselves in a competitive first half leading with a score of 36-31.
In the second half, it was defense that dominated for the Scots. Wooster went on a formidable 17-0 run during the second half as the Fighting Scots showcased their tenacity on the defensive side of the ball. This disrupted the Yellowjackets’ offense, leaving Rochester struggling to find an answer offensively. They missed 13 consecutive field goals finishing the game with 36% field goal percentage. Guards Jamir Billings ’25 and Jaiden Cox-Holloway ’26 led the formidable defensive effort working together to achieve an impressive eight steals. Additionally, Wooster snapped Rochester’s 17 game winning streak in the Chuck Resler Tournament. The Scots also looked forward to winning the tournament, one that they had not won since 1995.
Despite the success of the first game, the Scots fell to the Rowan University Profs by a narrow final score of 78-77 in their second match of the tournament. The close score did not diminish the Fighting Scots’ efforts, as they displayed resilience and determination. The Scots held the lead with only 21.7 seconds remaining on the clock, but a critical foul on Rowan’s guard Josh Wright ’25 turned the tables as he connected on both free throws, securing the Profs’ win.
After struggling in the first game, Wooster’s forward EJ Kaphie ’26 bounced back, leading the Scots offensively with 20 points. Despite Wooster out rebounding the Profs 44-36, Rowan showed relentless pressure, forcing 20 turnovers. The Fighting Scots defense continued to hold their ground, limiting Rowan to a 38% field goal percentage, but Rowan capitalized on the Scots’ turnovers, notching 20 fast break points.
In the first two games, the Fighting Scots showed the team’s ability to adapt and have different players step up in critical moments. Looking ahead, the Fighting Scots are determined to shake off their recent setback and bounce back this Friday at 8 p.m. as they take on the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (1-0) at the Al Van Wie/Wooster Rotary Classic. They look to keep building off their defensive strength, as they recognize the season is still young.
