CLUTCH FINAL MINUTES FROM WARRIORS SECURE BIG WIN AGAINST INDIANA TECH

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - It was a momentous day for the Warriors (16-8, 11-7) on Saturday, Feb. 10, defeating conference foe Indiana Tech (14-10, 12-6) in Garth Pleasant Arena. It wasn't a game for the faint of heart, filled with runs from both teams, tough shots, highlight plays, and plenty of big moments. 

Senior Anthony Cukaj led the Warriors with a big stat line, recording 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Brett White continued his strong second half of the season with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, while James Fisher controlled the paint with 14 points and eight rebounds. Brody Parker also had a big game off the bench, scoring 12 points on 5-7 shooting, including clutch shots to secure the Warriors the win. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• Rochester started out strong, jumping out to a 9-2 lead behind great offensive movement. Rochester got into rhythm early with jumpers from White and Brandon Michrina to help set the tone on offense. The Warriors got out to a ten-point lead behind a three from White, who'd hit some timely jumpers for Rochester throughout the contest
• Indiana Tech didn't go down easy and started to threaten the Warriors with great shotmaking of their own. Despite the lead closing, Rochester kept its composure with important baskets, including a tough jump hook from Stavros Polatoglou, set up by Cukaj who had a well-rounded half
• Rochester responded to the initial run by Indiana Tech, with Fisher and Cukaj punishing inside, including a Cukaj and-one basket. However, Indiana Tech had another big run to go with time winding down in the first half, storming back and taking the lead on an and-one. However, Parker ensured the Warriors entered halftime leading with a pull-up jumper to beat the halftime buzzer

SECOND HALF

• Cukaj continued the momentum from the opening play, hitting a deep three to get an explosive half going. The second half's theme was finding answers, as both teams had plenty for each other, starting with a three from Indiana Tech to fire back. After another point-trading sequence, Cukaj answered a fastbreak dunk by the visitors with a tough transition layup before swiping the ball and getting another layup in traffic to go
• The teams continued to go back and forth, with physical play dominating on the defensive end of the floor. White knocked down a fading shot off an inbound pass from Walters, and Parker joined the facilitating fun shortly after, finding Michrina for a layup to give the Warriors the lead. The arena didn't get much time to relax, with White knocking down a three to keep Rochester leading and the crowd screaming
• A few more answers came from Indiana Tech, but Rochester got an emphatic response from Michrina, who grabbed an offensive rebound and returned Parker's favor with an assist on a three. Shortly after, Cukaj joined the fun with another three, and Rochester got a valuable multi-possession lead. Another offensive rebound, this time by Polatoglou, found its way towards Walters for a three
• Unfortunately for the hearts of Warrior fans all around, Indiana Tech made a run to get back into it, cutting a nine-point deficit all the way down to one. Rochester dug deep and found big plays from various players in the final minute, starting with White and Parker, who'd connect on a three to stay ahead. After another made basket from Indiana Tech, Parker hit another clutch shot, driving off a great pass from Walters. On the defensive end, the big plays continued, with White and Fisher making massive plays inside to halt Indiana Tech from stealing the win

POSTGAME PRESSER

Head Coach Klint Pleasant had this to say on the big plays made in the final minutes:

"Our focus the last two weeks had been simplifying what we do on the defensive end and protecting the paint. We also have shifted to become just more intentional and simple on the offensive end in terms of trying to control where shots come from. That paid off today. And actually, I was very pleased with our offensive effort in the previous game as well.

We got to our spots down the stretch, and we had guys continue to shoot with confidence, even though we'd missed some big free throws. Our defensive rebounding was also huge down the stretch. Brody, Anthony, Brett, and Fish made some big ones down the stretch, and Gunner sprayed it around nicely. Stav was more aggressive, and Brandon hit a big three as well.

It was a team effort and a really big win, especially since we've been bleeding a bit."

STAT OF THE GAME

Cukaj's four steals tie his career high - an achievement he's done twice before, earlier this season on Nov. 3 against Saint Xavier, and last season on Dec. 10, 2022, against Waldorf. All three games have been wins. 

UP NEXT

Rochester heads out on the road for an 8 p.m. matchup with Siena Heights on Wednesday, Feb. 14. 

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics