Washington University’s Thrilling NCAA Victory: A Closer Look
The No. 17 Washington University in St. Louis men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 82-75 victory over Central in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Packing the house on Friday evening in Saint Louis, this win moved the team to a 20-6 record and earned them a spot in the Round of 32.
Standout Performances
Senior Hayden Doyle led the Bears with 24 points and five assists, showcasing his leadership and scoring prowess. Senior Drake Kindsvater was a triple threat, scoring 15 points, grabbing a team-high seven rebounds, and contributing three assists. First-year Connor May added 14 points with four rebounds, while junior Yogi Oliff scored 10 points in just 13 action-packed minutes. Their stellar performance throughout the game is a testament to the team’s depth and cohesion.
Of particular note is junior Will Grudzinski, who doubled trouble with back-to-back three-pointers, securing a three-point lead. Additionally, Kindsvater’s prowess is highlighted by his electrifying offensive putback and after a steal from Oliff, his six straight points to cut the deficit to one point proved decisive.
A Tightly Contested First Half
The game began with a 6-0 run for the Bears, spearheaded by a layup from junior Calvin Kapral. The Dutch responded with a brief run but back-to-back threes by May and Grudzinski took the Bears a 15-9 lead.
Central’s Josh Van Gorp kept the pressure on towards the end of the half, which ended with the Dutch ahead 35-28.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayden Doyle | 24 | 4 | 5 |
| Drake Kindsvater | 15 | 7 | 3 |
| Connor May | 14 | 4 | 0 |
| Yogi Oliff | 10 | 0 | 2 |
Second Half Showdown
The second half opened with the Dutch holding a 37-38 lead, but the Bears quickly closed the gap to within five points. The game remained a tight battle, with each lead change following gratifying rebounds, steals, assists and dashes across the floor.
Did You Know?
By the end of the second half, the Bears had made a remarkable turnaround, shooting 20-for-28 (71.43%) after a poor first-half display of 11-for-33 (33.33%)—this is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Both teams fought tooth and nail. Following a 3-pointer by Cook, a jumper by Doyle allowed the Bears to seal the Bears’ victory, following short urgent layups and free throws if multiple timeouts.
Pro Tip: In a close game, managing timeouts effectively can be crucial. The Bears showcased this with a pair of smart timeouts that allowed Doyle to convert a layup and subsequent free throw under pressure.
Upcoming Match: A Test of Resilience
The Bears will face Franklin College on Saturday at 6:40 p.m. CT. The Grizzlies secured their first NCAA win since 2000, defeating Denison 67-64 in overtime.
FAQ Section
Who led the Bears in points?
Hayden Doyle led the Bears with 24 points.
What was the final score in this match?
The final score was 82-75.
Who is Washington University’s next opponent?
WashU’s next opponent is Franklin.
How many points did Josh Van Gorp score for his team?
Central’s Josh Van Gorp scored 39 points.
Looking forward to seeing more exciting matchups this season?
— By Will Grudzinski