Junior forward C.J. Rodgers (Chicago, IL/St. Rita) enjoyed a career night on Tuesday, January 16, as he scored 22 points, pulled down 20 rebounds, handed out seven assists and came up with three steals to lead Union to a 70-67 victory over Division III rival Middlebury in a non-league basketball game at Memorial Fieldhouse.
The victory improved the Dutchmen's overall record to 7-4.
Rodgers, who surpassed his single-game high of 15 rebounds, led all players in the three above mentioned categories. He connected on nine of 16 field goals and pulled down 15 defensive rebounds. Rodgers had 10 points and 10 rebounds to help the Dutchmen to a 32-31 halftime lead.
Now in his second full season as a starter, Rodgers came into the year averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 54 career games. So far this season the 6'5, 180-pounder has scored 170 points (an average of 15.5) with 88 rebounds (8.0). His 733 career points puts him in position to join Union's 1,000-point club before the end of his career. There are currently 13 members.
Last season Rodgers was named to the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association's All-Conference second-team and was voted the Dutchmen's “Most Valuable Player.” He is majoring in English.