This season, the Ursinus men’s basketball program celebrated a feat that had never been achieved before in Ursinus Men’s Basketball history: two senior guards hitting the coveted 1,000-point milestone. The 1,000 point mark has only been reached by a select few, a monumental achievement.
It all began on January 21st, when Mo Torre and the Bears faced Muhlenberg. Torre entered the game needing eight points to reach 1,000. But it wasn’t until the middle of the second half that the moment arrived. After a block by teammate Matthew Field, Torre pounced on the loose ball and raced down the court with determination. Surrounded by three defenders, he soared and finished at the basket, completing a classic finger-roll layup. The crowd erupted as Torre officially became the 32nd player in Ursinus men’s basketball history to reach 1,000 career points. Torre finished the night with 19 points, three rebounds, and one assist, going 5-of-11 from the field.
A week later, senior guard Nick Nocito was closing in on the same milestone against a strong Swarthmore team at home. From tip-off, Nocito played with focus, anchoring the Bears’ offense and helping set the pace. With under a minute remaining, he stepped to the line. Needing just two points to reach 1,000, he swished one free throw, leaving him just one point shy of the historic mark. The tension and excitement were palpable as the fans cheered, celebrating not just the near-milestone, but the consistent excellence that had brought him to this point. The next possession was emblematic of that effort: diving on the ground for a loose ball and ending up sliding into the Bears’ bench, he was accompanied and surrounded by his pumped up teammates, helping him get to his feet. Nocito finished his night with 20 points, as the Bears earned an 82-73 victory over their rivals. He’d miss the record on this night, but his impact was displayed when it mattered most.
The wait for the record was short-lived, however. In the following game, the Bears traveled to Carlisle to take on Dickinson College. With five minutes left in the first half, Nocito calmly sank both ends of a 1-and-1 opportunity, officially crossing the 1,000-point threshold. In doing so, he joined Torre as the 33rd player in program history to reach the mark. Nocito finished the game with nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, demonstrating his all-around contribution to the team. Although the Bears fell just short in a 72-70 loss, Nocito’s achievement was a bright highlight in a hard-fought contest.
After the Dickinson game, Coach Small was greeted with a handshake from Joe Nocito, Nick’s father. “Thank you for such an opportunity,” Joe said. One opportunity is sometimes all it takes.
These milestones reflect not only personal excellence but also the leadership and dedication Torre and Nocito have brought to the Ursinus Men’s Basketball program. Their performances this season provide a source of pride for teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Their names will be remembered in the school’s basketball history for years to come.