RIT Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Bard: A Recap of the Game
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The RIT men’s basketball team showcased a stellar performance on Friday evening, dominating Bard with a final score of 84-58. Leading the charge was graduate student forward Josiah Turner, who not only scored 27 points but also grabbed 10 rebounds, solidifying his impact on the court.
How the Game Unfolded
From the tip-off, RIT set a competitive tone with a quick 5-0 start. This initial burst included a put-back layup from junior guard Zac Ditzel combined with a three-pointer on the following possession. Bard responded briefly, narrowing the gap to 5-3. However, RIT swiftly extended its lead through a 9-3 run, featuring key plays from both Ditzel and first-year player Xavier Nelson, bringing the score to 14-6.
Turner’s prowess took center stage midway through the first half. He scored eight consecutive points, helping RIT establish a commanding 27-10 lead during a critical 13-4 scoring stretch. As halftime approached, Turner’s confidence shone through once more when he launched a three-pointer just four seconds before the break, sending the Tigers into the locker room with a comfortable 42-25 lead.
The second half started with Bard scoring, but RIT showcased their resilience by countering with a quick 7-2 run, which included an impressive and-one play by Turner that pushed the lead to 49-30. Despite Bard’s attempts to narrow the gap, the Tigers maintained their momentum with a crushing 10-2 surge, which was capped off by another three-pointer from Ditzel, extending the lead to 62-39.
Individual Performers Shine
Josiah Turner’s performance stood out, shooting an impressive 10-of-17 from the floor and drilling all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. His timing and presence on the court reinforced him as a key player for RIT.
Ditzel also had a noteworthy outing, contributing 19 points, including a consistent 3-of-6 from three-point territory and a perfect record at the free-throw line with 6-of-6. His dynamic scoring ability greatly influenced the outcome of the game.
Nelson complemented their efforts with 13 points and five rebounds, while sophomore guard Danny Cohen added depth off the bench, contributing an efficient 10 points.
RIT’s Team Performance
The overall statistics for RIT were equally impressive. The team shot 50 percent from the field (32-for-64) and demonstrated proficiency from long range with a 44 percent success rate on three-pointers (8-for-18). Defensively, RIT’s swiftness paid off, as they forced Bard into 19 turnovers, converting those into 17 points.
Rebounding was another strong point for RIT, as they battled hard on the boards to secure a 35-31 advantage, which included 13 offensive rebounds. This hustle allowed the Tigers to control the pace of the game and dictate play.
A Look Ahead
As the excitement from this game settles, RIT is gearing up for their next match against Skidmore on February 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM. With the momentum from their recent victory, fans are eager to see if the team can continue their winning streak.
For those interested in the team’s history and performance against Skidmore, additional details can be found here.
In summary, the RIT men’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance against Bard, led by exceptional individual efforts and a strong team dynamic. The coming days will be crucial as they prepare to face their next opponent.
