Rochester jumped out to an early 6-2 lead four minutes into the game before the Tartans would rattle off 14 of the next 18 points to take the 16-10 advantage and the lead for good. Carnegie Mellon would go on to take a 31-21 halftime lead.
The Tartans kept it going as they went on a 14-4 run to start the second half before the Yellowjackets answered with an 11-0 run to cut the lead to 40-36 with 12:32 left to play. Four points is all the closer Rochester would get as the Tartans got back on track and went on to the 78-71 victory.
All five Carnegie Mellon starters would score in double figures. Leading the way was junior Nate Maurer (Pittsburgh, PA/Linsley School) who had a season high 24 points including 4-5 from behind the three point arc. Senior Jason Walters (Providence, RI/Country Day) cashed in with 15, senior Eliot Goren (Silver Spring, MD/Bullis School) had 13, senior Michael Divens (Trafford, PA/Penn Trafford) added 13, and junior Clayton Barlow-Wilcox (Brookline, MA/Brookline) scored 10 to make it five straight games in double figures for Barlow-Wilcox.
Senior Seth Hauben led all scorers with 26 points and 14 rebounds for Rochester. Freshman Jeff Juron chipped in with 21 points hitting 4-6 from behind the three point arc. Carnegie Mellon was out rebounded 47-31 as both teams were dead locked with 13 turnovers each.
The Tartans will be back in action Tuesday, December 7 as they play host to Hiram College. Tip is set for 8:00 pm.