The Triton College men's basketball team won it's first ever national championship in program history, winning the NJCAA Division II championship in a thrilling 89-85 victory over Pima Community College (AZ) Saturday in Danville, IL.
The Trojans under head coach Steve Christiansen, who was named NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year, finished the season with a 33-4 record. Sophomore
Deonta Terrell was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Terrell in his final game in a Triton uniform had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Najee Brown-Henderson and
Alondes Williams were all-tournament team selections. Brown-Henderson scored 16 points and was 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Williams led the Trojans in scoring with 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
"It's too good to be true," said Christiansen on WRRG Radio. "This is unbelievable. A night like tonight is what you dream about as a coach and as a player. It doesn't get any better than this and with this group of coaches and players, it's special. The feeling is surreal. This championship is for everyone at Triton."
Triton enjoyed a 39-26 lead at halftime. However, the Aztecs from Tuscon quickly erased the deficit and tied the game at 42 five minutes into the second half with a 16-3 run. From that point the lead would switch hands 11 times before the Trojans went on the run that secured them the title.
Williams sparked a Triton 11-0 run down the stretch with six of the Trojans points during that spurt, including a steal and layup as Triton rallied from five down to a take a 73-71 lead. The Trojans lead grew to 10 at 84-74 as the Triton defense held Pima (31-5) without a field goal during a five minute span.
The Trojans were able to make enough free throws late to hold off a furious Aztec rally and the celebration began at the Mary Miller Gymnasium.
Martrell Barnes played a huge role in Triton's success at nationals. The freshman from North Lawndale provided critical minutes off the bench to end up with 11 points and eight rebounds. Freshman
Devin Blake made some keys plays as well to finish with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trojans were 26-of 39 from the charity stripe, with 35 of those attempts coming in the second half.
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