CHICAGO – University of Chicago Men's Basketball kicked off their 2024-25 season with a win over Bates College on Saturday afternoon. With a dominant performance in the paint and the sound of nearly 200 elementary school students in the crowd, Chicago capped off their strong 2024 Midway Classic opening performance almost 20 points above their opponents.  
 
FINAL SCORE
Bates College – 53
UChicago – 70

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a tough finish layup from Jackson Piotrowski the Maroons jumped out to an early 31-16 lead over the Bobcats. Chicago forced a fast-paced game as they broke out and put Bates into foul trouble early. The Maroons used their speed to their advantage as quick guards Piotrowski and Berry racked up fast break points around the basket.
• Though a low-scoring first half Chicago finished shooting 37% from the floor. They struggled at the three-point line, but focused on rim finishes and capitalized on free throws. The Maroons finished 10-12 at the line in the first 20 minutes.
•  Chicago came out with more than enough firepower to extend their lead in the second half, but after a few missed three-pointers Bates began chipping at the Maroons' lead. Going on a 14-2 run, the Bobcats cut the lead to four with 12 minutes remaining. A timeout from Coach McGrath brought the team back together and within a minute Thomas Kurowski turned a steal into a three-point play as he sprinted down the floor by himself to pull up from the corner three. The bench exploded and momentum shifted back to the Maroons.
• After the shift, Chicago rolled back into their groove and took another strong 16-point lead with less than six minutes left. The switch to shooting 45% from the three in the second half carried the Maroons as they turned their offensive performance around to score 36 points in the final half. Chicago's 29 points off the bench also helped their all-around performance. As the Maroons start the year, this team showed the potential for how good they could be.

 
 
UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Points – Luke Smith (15)
Rebounds- Thomas Kurowski (9)
Assists – Jackson Piotrowski (4)
Steals – Jackson Piotrowski (2), Thomas Kurowski (23)
Blocks- Jackson Piotrowski (2), Eamonn Kenah (13)

WHO'S ON DECK
The Maroons will look to sweep their Midway Classic slate on Sunday as they'll take on Transylvania University at 4 p.m. Chicago will hope to improve to 2-0 on the season.

For up-to-the-minute University of Chicago Maroons news, visit www.athletics.uchicago.edu. You can also follow us on Twitter @uchicagoath and @uchicagoathletics on Instagram.