WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RETURNS HOME TO FACE AQUINAS

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Women's Basketball (3-4, 0-1) makes its long-awaited return home against Aquinas College (2-3, 0-1) on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Having not played at home since their 71-57 win over the Lambton Lions on Oct. 28, the team will look to get back in the winning column in front of the Garth Pleasant Arena crowd.

THREE KEY THINGS

AQUINAS' THOMAS SETS PROGRAM SINGLE-GAME ASSIST RECORD

The Saints' offense will be run by junior guard Alexis Thomas, who recently set the program's single-game assist record with 12 dimes in a 93-62 win over Great Lakes Christian. Thomas is currently ranked fourth in the conference at assists per game with 4.0.

WARRIORS LOOK TO CLEAN UP THE OFFENSE

After a few games with miscues on the offensive end, the Warriors will look to clean things up and improve their offensive efficiency. Rochester has struggled with field goal percentage lately, with the team finding itself in long stretches without baskets.

However, the Warriors aren't without the talent, as guards Celeste Mershimer and Imari Martin have shown flashes of returning to top form. At the same time, freshman Jacey Somers has remained among the WHAC's leaders in points per game.

BENCH SCORING FOR THE WARRIORS

In last season's two matchups between the teams - both victories for Rochester - the Warriors turned to bench scoring to help grow and sustain leads. Mershimer scored 20 points while also dishing out four assists and four steals. With Mershimer now inserted in the starting lineup, the Warriors will need a new player to rise up and help win the battle between the second units.

COACH'S CORNER

In light of Thanksgiving, Head Coach Jared Ocampo had this to say on why he's thankful to be a coach at Rochester University:

"I have been extremely thankful for the entire RU family, the people I get to work with, all the coaches, administration, and academic staff who have all been supportive. I am also very thankful for my girls for allowing me to be a part of their journey, on and off the court."

SPORTS INFORMATION SPOTLIGHT

Celeste Mershimer currently leads the WHAC in assists per game at 5.6. Imari Martin is not far behind with 3.1, placing her at eighth in the conference.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

#RV Indiana Tech, Concordia, and Cornerstone are the three undefeated teams in WHAC play. Siena Heights has played the most games in the season, going 2-1. Aquinas and Rochester both seek their first conference win.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics