CLAREMONT, Cali. – The University of Chicago men's basketball team edged out Pomona-Pitzer 59-58 in a thrilling contest on Tuesday night at Voelkel Gymnasium for the first of their two-game series in California. Despite shooting struggles throughout the game, the Maroons managed to secure a hard-fought win and improve to 7-2 on the season after Thomas Kurowski laid one in at the buzzer for UChicago.

FINAL SCORE
Pomona-Pitzer – 58
UChicago - 59

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Maroons had a rocky start, shooting just 37.5% from the field in the first half (12-32), including a tough 25% from beyond the arc (3-12). Pomona-Pitzer capitalized on the Maroons' offensive struggles, leading 32-29 at the break.
• Despite a solid 15-second chance points in the first half, UChicago was unable to fully contain Pomona-Pitzer's attack, allowing them to maintain a slim lead heading into halftime.
• The second half was a back-and-forth battle. UChicago's shooting didn't improve much, finishing at 33.3% (12-36) from the field and 27.8% (5-18) from three-point range. However, the Maroons made key stops defensively, forcing Pomona-Pitzer into several tough shots
• The game was tied six times and saw eight lead changes, with UChicago holding the lead for the final stretch. UChicago's defense stepped up when needed, especially in limiting second-chance opportunities. The Maroons held Pomona-Pitzer to just 5 second-chance points in the second half, compared to their own 15 for the game.
• With less than two minutes left to go in the game, the Maroons held a one-point lead. Timeouts and a few plays went by and with four seconds the Sagehens made a layup to take the lead. With only a quick attempt, Joe Berry passed up the ball to Thomas Kurowski. Kurowski jammed through two defenders and made a move for a left-hand layup. As time expired the ball ran through the net and Chicago won the game.

 
UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Points – Joe Berry (9) & Thomas Kurowski (9)
Rebounds – Three with eight
Assists – Joe Berry (2) & Thomas Kurowski (2)
Steals – Thomas Kurowski (2) & Daniel Cochran (2)
Blocks – Noah Pit (1) & Arrish Bhandal (1)  


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