BOSTON, MA (November 20, 2025) -- The No. 4 Tufts University men's hoops squad allowed only 13 first-half points while holding Emerson College to only 30 percent shooting on the game, cruising to a 84-50 win in a neutral site game at Suffolk University at Smith Court.
Tufts gave up just four first-half field goals to the Lions on Thursday, forcing seven turnovers as well while a shooting it well from behind the arc in the first 20 minutes. The Jumbos made five of its 11 shots from behind the arc in the first half, led by
Dylan Reilly's three triples.
The contest, which was moved to Suffolk University due to the Tufts volleyball squad hosting the NCAA Tournament this weekend, was rarely in doubt as the Jumbos exploded out of the gates with a 9-2 run over the first four minutes. Emerson cut their deficit to six at 12-6, but the Jumbos quickly went on a 13-1 run to take an 18-point edge at 25-7 following a bucket from senior center
Joshua Bernstein.
The lead would continue to increase to as much as 24 in the first half, as sophomore
Isaac Friedman hit a jumper just before halftime to give the Jumbos a decisive 37-13 lead going into the break.
Tufts continued to pour it own in the second half, leading by as many as 38 on a lay-up by senior
Theo Liu as Tufts pulled to 2-2 on the season.
With such a busy early season schedule, Tufts was able to get everyone active into the game as no one played more than 26 minutes on the night. Senior
Scott Gyimesi was the game's leading scorer with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, making both of his three-point attempts and all six free throws. He also recorded four assists, four boards and two steals. Gyimesi is has 974 points for his career, just 26 shy of 1,000.
Bernstein added 12 points and nine rebounds, blocking three shots, and
Zion Watt drew his first career start and chalked up 10 points and six caroms as he connected on 2-of-4 from downtown. First-year
Ricardo Nieves came off the bench to net nine points, making all seven of his shots including five at the charity stripe, adding three steals and four rebounds. Fellow newcomer
Griffin Linstra also had six points as a reserve.
Tufts shot 46.7 percent from the field, going 8-of-20 (40 percent) from three-point land while shooting a strong 20-of-24 (83.3 percent) at the line. Tufts finished with a 20-6 advantage in points off turnovers, while dominating inside with a 34-16 advantage in the paint.
Linus Helmhold finished with 10 points to lead the way for Emerson (1-3).
Tufts will take on Yeshiva University Sunday, November 23 at noon in Cousens Gymnasium in non-conference action.
--JUMBOS--
