The men’s basketball team shot 74.1 percent in the second half to claim the 23rd Annual Lopata Classic with an 81-65 win over Pomona-Pitzer Colleges Dec. 2 at the WU Field House.
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Washington U. trailed 28-25 at halftime, but hit 19 of its first 22 shots in the second half to build a commanding 70-48 lead. Sophomore forward Tyler Nading earned the Robert L. Burnes Most Valuable Player honors after scoring 22 points and pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds. The double-double for Nading was the first of his career.
Sophomore guard Sean Wallis joined Nading on the All-Tournament Team, recording his first career double-double with a career-high 12 assists and 10 points. The 12 assists by Wallis tied the Lopata Classic single game record. He also set the Lopata Classic record with 18 assists in the tournament.
Tony Brantner of Luther College, Ryan Frassica of Worcester State College, and David Knowles and Chris McCoy of Pomona-Pitzer Colleges were all also named to the All-Tournament Team. Junior Troy Ruths finished with 21 points as he scored in double figures for the eight-consecutive game dating back to last season. Freshman Aaron Thompson, who was making his second career start, scored a career-high 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from three-point range.
On Dec. 1, the Bears posted an 87-71 over Luther College in the opening game of the Lopata Classic. Wallis tied his career-high with 20 points, hitting 2-of-4 from three-point range and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also added a game-high six assists. Ruths notched 19 points and nine rebounds in the win. Nading also scored in doubles figures for the Bears notching 15 points and seven rebounds.
Washington University (5-1) returns to action Sat., Dec. 9, at No. 24 Illinois Wesleyan University. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Ill.