CHICAGO – The University of Chicago men's basketball team continued its hot streak from long range in a 78-49 blowout victory against Carnegie Mellon University on Sunday.

The Maroons improved to 7-12 on the season (2-6 in the University Athletic Association). The Tartans dropped to 10-7 overall (3-4 UAA).

Three-pointers proved to be the difference in the first half. CMU was ice cold from beyond the arc, going 0-for-10. Meanwhile, UChicago was shooting with confidence, making 7 of 15 on threes.

The game unfolded evenly, with the Tartans holding a slim 16-15 edge after nine minutes of action. That would be the visitors' last lead of the game as the Maroons seized control from that point on. Senior Zach Munson splashed a deep triple to make it 18-16, and UChicago embarked on a 17-0 run over the next four minutes of game time. By the time CMU found the basket again, it was 32-18 Maroons.

The Tartans went 3-for-15 from the field over the last 11 minutes of the first half. They also turned the ball over nine times in the half compared to only one committed by UChicago.

Consecutive treys by junior Bryce Hopkins and first-year Thomas Kurowski increased UChicago's advantage to 19 points. The home side would head into the halftime break with a 39-23 lead. Balanced scoring was seen throughout the box score. Senior Ryan Martin collected eight points while four other players tallied six points apiece.

Blocked shots were a common occurrence throughout Sunday's contest. The team combined for 13 total, including eight in the first half.

The home momentum turned the game into a route in the second half. Hopkins led the charge by scoring 12 points in four minutes, and UChicago followed his example by surging ahead with a 20-5 run.

With the result decided, the Maroons cruised to the finish line, topping out with a 34-point lead in the final minutes.

Hopkins was the offensive star of the afternoon. The junior forward filled up the basket with 22 points in 26 minutes played, going 8-for-12 from the field. Senior Brandon Beckman produced 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Elliot Paschal also had 11 points to go with four rebounds and three steals. Munson finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

The Maroons made 46 percent of their field goals, 42.9 percent of their three-pointers (12-28) and 72.7 percent of their free throws (8-11). CMU shot 36.8 percent from the field, 21.1 percent from long range (4-19) and 33.3 percent from the charity stripe (3-9).

UChicago won the rebounding battle 42-34 and the turnover category 10-19. The home team also led points off turnovers 19-12. CMU only registered two second-chance points.

NEXT GAME:

• Friday, Feb. 11 @ 5:30 PM – University of Rochester at UChicago