Electric First Half Pushes Men's Basketball Past Widener, 78-64

CHESTER, PA (January 4, 2025) - The Tufts University Men's Basketball team concluded their non-conference slate with a win at Widener University 78-64 behind James Morakis' 19 points on Saturday afternoon in the Schwartz Center.

Morakis was the engine of the offense through 31 minutes played. He shot 43% from the field and sank two three pointers to lead the Jumbos (12-2) in scoring. His shooting from the line earned him a new season high of five free throws made, while his nine three point attempts also set a new season high. Three rebounds rounded out a complete performance from the junior guard.

Behind Morakis' scoring, the Jumbos hit the ground running from the tip. They were lights out from the field in the first half, shooting 52% from the field as a team and making eight three pointers. The Jumbos defense held Widener (2-9) to a 35% shooting percentage from the field. Their efforts saw them jump out to a 50-30 lead after the first 20 minutes.

Sophomore guard Jon Medley had a gritty performance, piling up 11 points in 31 minutes, and shooting a perfect 6/6 from the line. His longest outing of the season saw him collect six rebounds as well as set season highs in free throw attempts and free throws made. His scoring was good for second most on the team, and his gritty style set the tone for Tufts from the get-go.

Medley's fellow sophomore guard Dylan Reilly was lethal from downtown, sinking three triplets on his only three shot attempts of the game. He picked his spots from beyond the arc, while snatching a season high two steals in another solid performance for the Jumbos. 

The Jumbos were tested by the Pride early, trailing 16-17 after 10 minutes, but they quickly bounced back with a 17-3 run to grow the gap between the sides. Senior forward Trumann Gettings set the tone defensively during that run, picking up four defensive rebounds and a block during the offensive outburst. He finished the night with seven rebounds, three steals and a block. 

Junior forward Scott Gymesi was a point away from a double-double, with nine points and 10 rebounds, while junior center Joshua Bernstein followed up his career night with 11 rebounds and six points. 

The Jumbos were slightly outscored in the second half, as they put up only 28 points to Widener's 34 while shooting only 35% from the field. Despite the scoring struggles, the Jumbos had put up enough of a lead in the first half to weather the storm and win 78-64.

Tufts finishes their non-conference schedule with a 12-2 record, matching their hot start from last year where they finished the non-conference slate with a 13-2 record.

The Jumbos will return to Cousens Gymnasium to open New England Small College Athletic Conference play as they host Bowdoin College at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 10.