Williams Triple-Double Leads Trojans Past Highland

Friday night at the Collins Center was big in many ways for the Triton College men's basketball team. Prior to the game, the program honored their eight sophomores. But then quickly after the emotion of the ceremony had to play their biggest game of the regular season against Highland Community College with the winner to get the top seed entering the Region IV Division I Tournament that begins Feb. 28.

Of the eight sophomores, the one announced last, Alondes Williams put on a memorable show in his final home game. The University of Oklahoma bound sophomore recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to help fuel a Trojan second rally in a thrilling 86-77 Triton win.

"His God-given talent and unselfish play have made him a joy to watch," Trojans head coach Steve Christiansen said about Williams. "He is the best I have ever coached and may never have another player like him ever again. Oklahoma has no idea the caliber of player they are getting."

How the night started it appeared the game would be a Triton (26-2) rout as the Trojans jumped out to 24-8 lead seven minutes into the contest. However, the Cougars (17-5) stormed back to erase the deficit and even the game at 36 with two minutes left in the first half. Highland then stunned the Trojans with back-to-back three's to close the half and grab a 42-36 advantage at the break.

But Triton answered with a 50-35 second half powered by Williams who helped get others involved.

Freshman Quinlan Bennett had a terrific game to lead the Trojans in scoring with 21 points. The Proviso East graduate shot nine of 11 from the field.

Sophomore Ralph Cruz finished with 16 points. Sophomore Najee Brown-Henderson had 14 points.

For the game the Trojans shot 52 percent from the field (34-66). Highland ended up 38 percent from the field (26-68).

Triton finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0 home record and will carry over their school record winning streak into next season as the Trojans have won 82 consecutive games at the Collins Center.

The Trojans play their final two games of the regular season on the road at Wright on Saturday and at Indian Hills (Iowa) on Feb. 21.

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