Trojans grind out win at Kankakee

There are moments during the college basketball season that a team will be tested both physically and mentally. The Triton College men's basketball team is experiencing that as they are in the midst of their toughest portion of the schedule. However, in the mantra of head coach John Clancy, the Trojans "Found a Way."

After a narrow 77-74 home loss to No. 15 Indian Hills Jan .12 and a bounce back 74-72 win Jan. 15 at No. 11 Southeastern Iowa, the No. 20 ranked Trojans in the latest NJCAA Division I poll grinded out an 84-72 victory Jan. 20 at Region IV Division I rival Kankakee Community College.

Triton (15-3) set the early pace behind eight first half three-point field goals. Brandon Muntu hit back-to-back treys to cap a 14-0 run which put Triton up 35-20 with 6:37 left before halftime.

The Trojans would maintain the cushion heading to the intermission with a 48-32 advantage.

The Cavaliers (13-6) would not go down without a fight, as Kankakee was able to trim to deficit down to nine points multiple times in the second half.

Cobie Montgomery provided Triton the spark they needed off the bench with a game-high 24 points including drilling a three late in the contest to give the Trojans an 82-70 lead. The sophomore guard connect of 4-of-8 from downtown.

"We were fortunate to find a way on the road against a talented and tough Kankakee team," Clancy said. "After an emotionally and physically draining win at Southeastern Iowa (Triton's highest ranked win since entering NJCAA Division I in 2019) and with school starting back up, I knew mentally and physically we were going to be far from our best against Kankakee."

Daylan Hamilton finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Muntu and Teonta McKeithen scored 11 points apiece. Cam Denson was a force on the glass with 15 rebounds.

Now the Trojans have only one day of rest to get ready for another tough road test Saturday at Highland Community College. Since moving up to Division I, Triton and Highland have been the Region IV championship matchup all three seasons.

"We have a short turn around before having to travel to Freeport for our showdown with region rival Highland," Clancy said. "Hopefully, we can physically recover and mentally reset and find the energy and effort we need to beat a very good Highland squad."

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