Trojans bounce back with win over Joliet

Trading hot hands proved to be the way the Triton women's basketball team rebounded from a disappointing loss via a spectacular 74-45 victory over old N4C conference rival Joliet Junior College Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Collins Center Gym.

Guard Linarys Burnett-Romero racked up 16 of her game-high 18 points in the second half as the Trojans steadily blew open the game, backed by robust offensive rebounding. Burnett-Romero picked up where Destine Lovett left off in the first half, sparking the 13-5 Trojans with nine points and six rebounds off the bench when the hosts were struggling to put up points.

A number of Trojans shared in the wealth as they flushed bad memories of a tough loss to Wright College two days previously.

"We came better prepared," said sophomore Burnett-Romero, who heated up quickly after missing her first five shots. "We tried not to underestimate our opponents this time. That game (against Wright) was not us."

After gutting out a 31-26 halftime lead, Triton steadily built the lead before Burnett-Romero hit consecutive three pointers to push the edge to 45-30. Jalyn Jimenez soon added another trey to maintain the 15-point lead, enabling Triton to seize control of the game and cruise to the final score.

But the Trojans did not just glory in long-range accuracy. They did the dirty work on the boards to help their offensive chances. Triton amassed 18 offensive rebounds, pleasing interim coach Drew Winston to no end.

"You have to body-hunt first," he said. "If you put a body on them, they won't get to the ball. I kept screaming out, 'We're not rebounding.'  Getting that second- and third-chance opportunity. Once we locked in on the rebounding side, the game changed."

Burnett-Romero relishes getting inside to make things happen.

"I'm not just a three-point shooter," she said. "Step inside and get things going for my teammates."

The visiting Wolves (5-16) actually took a 17-8 early lead while Triton missed many early close shots. But Winston switched in Lovett to spark the offense. She scored seven points in a 13-0 run that gave the Trojans a 21-17 lead. Lovett totaled 11 points.

The Trojans somehow carved out their five-point halftime lead on just 26 percent shooting.

Sophomore Monraia Wilson, a frequent backcourt partner of Burnett-Romero the past three seasons, totaled 17 points almost evenly divided between halves.

"We work well together," Burnett-Romero said. "I'm just trying to be that extra voice on the team."

Jimenez had a quality all-around game with 11 points along with pacing the Trojans with 11 rebounds and five assists.

Queen Baker did not score, but registered well in the team-game concept with 10 rebounds and a team-leading four steals. Trinity Barnes added 13 points.

Grace Harris led Joliet with 13 points. Faith Domercant and Allasha Alexander made the Trojans work hard for their collective suppers with 15 and 14 rebounds, respectively.

"We're trying to get everything polished up so we can be ready playoff-time," said Winston, relieved that his between-games practice emphasis on defense and rebounding paid off handsomely.
 
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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)