CHICAGO – Zach Munson's efficient offensive night was a standout highlight on Friday evening as the University of Chicago men's basketball team lost to visiting Brandeis University 62-47.

The Maroons dropped to 5-9 overall and 0-3 in the University Athletic Association (UAA). The Judges improved to 8-2 (1-0 UAA).

Brandeis last played on December 11, and the rust was evident in the early going. UChicago took advantage on the offensive end and jumped out to a 14-6 lead six minutes into the game. The 6-foot-7 Munson scored three-straight baskets during that time.

The Judges began to find their rhythm after that with a 9-2 run that trimmed the deficit to one. Baskets from junior Bryce Hopkins, senior Brandon Beckman and Munson pushed the lead back out to 22-17.

A three-pointer followed by a layup put the Judges back ahead down the stretch and the visitors held a 31-28 edge at halftime. Munson tallied 10 points in the half with six points coming from Hopkins.

Munson was an offensive force throughout the contest. The senior forward made his first eight shots inside the arc with a variety of jumpers and hook shots in the paint. He finished with a career-high 19 points while shooting 66.7 percent on field goals. Munson also grabbed five rebounds.

The Maroons were consistently successful from two-point range, making more than half their shots (17 of 33). But that did not translate to beyond the arc – UChicago struggled en route to a 1-for-18 shooting performance on three-pointers.

After UChicago tied the game at 32-32 early in the second half, the Judges stepped on the gas with a 12-0 run. The visiting side led by at least eight points for the rest of game.

In the final box score. The Maroons shot 35.3 percent on field goals, 5.6 percent on three-pointers (1-18) and 55.6 percent on free throws (10-18). Brandeis made 47.8 percent of its field goals, 30.8 percent of its treys (4-13) and 66.7 percent of its free throws (14-21).

The Judges led rebounding 35-28 and committed two more turnovers (11-9).

NEXT GAME:

• Sunday, Jan. 23 @ 12:00 PM – New York University at UChicago