MEDFORD, MA (February 26, 2026) -- The Tufts University men's basketball team will look to continue its run through the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament this weekend, taking on No. 3 seed and second-ranked Trinity College Saturday at 4:30 PM in Middletown, CT. Wesleyan University, who is hosting the semifinals and finals, will take on Bates College in the other semifinals.
Game Details
Opponent: vs. Trinity College (23-2, 8-2 NESCAC)
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Middletown, Conn. – Silloway Gymnasium
Live Coverage:
LIVE STATS –
LIVE VIDEO
Full NESCAC Schedule
Saturday, February 28 - Semifinals
No. 1 seed Wesleyan University vs. No. 5 seed Bates College - 2 PM
No. 2 seed Tufts University vs. No. 3 seed Trinity College - 4:30 PM
Sunday, March 1 - Finals - Noon
Semifinals Winners
Trinity and Tufts All-Time
Tufts and Trinity have a tight all-time series, as the Bantams hold a 39-36 edge back to 1954. Tufts won the earlier meeting this season 68-62, while Trinity had taken the previous five match-ups. Trinity is 5-2 all-time in the NESCAC Tournament between the two teams.
A Look at the Jumbos (20-4)
The Jumbos are coming off a 99-84 win over Colby College, getting five different players in double digits last weekend led by
Scott Gyimesi and his 29 points and 13 rebounds last week.
Zion Watt and
Jon Medley combined to score 31 points as well for the Jumbos.
At the center of Tufts' success was forward
Scott Gyimesi, who served as the team's primary offensive and rebounding force. Gyimesi led the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game while also pacing the roster in rebounding at 9.8 boards per contest. His efficient 56.0% shooting from the field and consistent interior presence anchored Tufts' offense and defense alike.
Gyimesi also contributed as a facilitator with 64 assists and added rim protection with 23 blocks, illustrating his all-around impact.
Joshua Bernstein provided a dominant interior complement, finishing second on the team in rebounding at 8.8 per game while averaging 10.3 points on an exceptional 65.0% shooting from the field. His efficiency in the paint and defensive presence — highlighted by a team-high 42 blocks — gave Tufts a formidable inside tandem. Together, Gyimesi and Bernstein powered Tufts to a +8.0 rebounding margin and helped the team average 40.8 rebounds per game.
The backcourt play of Jon Medley helped drive Tufts' offensive rhythm throughout the season. Medley led the team with 70 assists and averaged 10.8 points per game, providing both scoring and distribution from the guard position.
Perimeter production was further boosted by Dylan Reilly and Zion Watt, who combined for 92 made three-pointers. Reilly averaged 9.8 points per game while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc, and Watt contributed 8.8 points per contest while adding defensive activity with a team-high 40 steals.
As a team, Tufts excelled in nearly every major statistical category. The Jumbos shot 46.3% from the field, assisted on 16.0 baskets per game, and maintained a positive turnover margin. Defensively, they controlled the paint with 5.7 blocks per game and limited opponents to just 38.7% shooting. Their ability to combine interior dominance, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense defined the team's identity throughout the year.
The season opened with early adversity, as Tufts dropped its first two road contests before quickly rebounding with a series of strong non-conference victories. The team responded with an extended winning stretch that included high-scoring performances and dominant defensive outings, highlighted by a 121–67 victory over Bridgewater State and a 117–51 win over VTSU Lyndon. These early results established momentum heading into conference play.
A Look at the Bantams (23-2)
Trinity comes into this weekend after narrowly defeating Bowdoin last weekend in the NESCAC quarterfinals, as Jared Berry had 22 points off the bench to pace the Bantams.
The defending national champions controlled games on both ends of the floor, averaging 84.6 points per contest while allowing just 58.4, producing an impressive +26.2 scoring margin. Their success was driven by relentless defensive pressure, efficient scoring balance, and depth across the rotation.
Jarrel Okorougo served as the team's primary offensive leader and interior presence throughout the season. He led Trinity in scoring with 15.7 points per game while adding 6.6 rebounds per contest and shooting 49.1% from the field. Okorougo consistently set the tone physically while contributing across categories, including 33 steals and 20 blocks, highlighting his two-way impact on both ends of the court.
Henry Vetter provided elite perimeter production and play making, finishing second on the team in scoring at 13.9 points per game while leading Trinity with 73 assists. Vetter also connected on 53 three-pointers at a 39.3% clip and shot an outstanding 89.9% from the free-throw line, making him one of the most efficient offensive players in the lineup. Drew Lazarre added further scoring balance with 10.7 points per game and contributed significantly on the defensive end with a team-high 62 steals.
Inside, Tristan Davis anchored the paint with efficiency and physicality, shooting 63.8% from the field while averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His interior presence was complemented by Jared Berry, who provided 9.8 points per contest off the bench along with strong rebounding production. Trinity's frontcourt depth helped the team average 41.0 rebounds per game and control the glass with a +7.1 margin.
As a team, Trinity excelled statistically in nearly every category. The Bantams shot 47.2% from the field, assisted on 14.7 baskets per game, and committed just 10.0 turnovers per contest while forcing 19.2 turnovers per game from opponents. Their defensive identity was especially evident in their 12.4 steals per game and ability to hold opponents to just 36.5% shooting from the field.
The season opened with a dominant non-conference stretch, as Trinity secured multiple lopsided victories including wins by margins of 40 points or more and consistently held opponents under 60 points. This early momentum carried into conference play, where Trinity posted statement wins over Middlebury, Williams, Amherst, and Hamilton during a strong midseason run.
--JUMBOS--
