On Friday, Jan. 24, Brandeis University men's basketball senior Toby Harris '25 etched his name into the record books, becoming the 36th player in University history to reach the 1,000-point career milestone. Harris' achievement came at a crucial moment, helping the Judges secure a 92-76 victory over Carnegie Mellon University in a hard-fought University Athletic Association road matchup.

A Milestone Moment

The milestone came with just 21 seconds remaining in a game where Harris approached the free-throw line. Harris’s 1,000th point was more than a personal accomplishment; it helped to attain a pivotal win for Brandeis, which improved its record to 12-4 overall and 3-2 in UAA play. Harris, who finished the game with 18 points, played an essential role in the Judges' victory, contributing offensively and defensively to the team's gameplay.

The game began with both teams exchanging leads early. Carnegie Mellon built a seven-point lead midway through the first half, but Brandeis quickly responded with three-pointers, including two from Harris. Sam Adusei MA '25 gave the Judges a brief 33-30 lead with just over a minute remaining in the half. The lead changed hands several times, but Brandeis closed the half strong, taking a 49-48 advantage.

After halftime, the Judges came out with renewed energy, starting the second half with a 6-0 run, including two quick buckets by Elias Rodl '26. From that point on, Brandeis never looked back, holding the lead for the remainder of the game. Rodl, who finished with a team-high 20 points, played a pivotal role in the second half, scoring 15 points after the break. His performance helped the Judges stretch their lead to double digits at 65-55 with 13:05 left. Harris, who had contributed heavily in the first half, added critical free throws late, including the 1,000th-point free throw that sealed the victory for the Judges.

The Judges’s victory resulted from a balanced offensive effort, with six players reaching double-digit points for the first time this season. Rodl led all scorers with 20 points, while Harris added 18. Adusei chipped in 15 points and a record eight rebounds, and Aedan Using MA '25 performed well, scoring 10 points, eight assists, and four blocked shots. Matthew Cadogan '26 and Ethan Edwards '26 also contributed 10 points apiece.

The Judges shot 52.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 28 three-pointers. On the other hand, Carnegie Mellon struggled in the second half, shooting just 30.6% from the floor and 23.1% from three-point range after a solid first half in which they shot 55.2%.

Toby Harris’s 1,000-point milestone highlights his accomplishments and importance to the team, as he joins a group of elite players. Harris is the first Brandeis player to reach the 1,000-point mark since Collin Sawyer ’21, M'22 in 2022.

Harris's achievement comes in a season that has seen the Judges play some of their best basketball in recent years. Brandeis has won four of its last five road games, a challenging feat for any team. 

Box Score Highlights

Toby Harris: 18 points, 4-of-14 shooting, 3-of-6 from 3-point range, 7-of-7 from the free throw line (including 1,000th point)

Elias Rodl: 20 points, 9-of-16 shooting, 2-of-6 from 3-point range

Sam Adusei: 15 points, 8 rebounds

Aedan Using: 10 points, 8 assists, 4 blocks

Matthew Cadogan: 10 points

Ethan Edwards: 10 points