Trojans hang on to defeat Sauk Valley

Shaking off the rust from the holiday break and a cold-weather shutdown of Triton College will probably take more time for the NJCAA 16^th-ranked Trojans men's basketball team.
 
After suffering their first loss of the season three days earlier at Kankakee Community College, the Trojans threw everything at visiting Sauk Valley Community College on Saturday, January 20, but still just squeaked by with a 92-89 victory that came down to the final buzzer.
 
The victors, now 18-1, could only watch as LA Fayne's long-ball attempt from halfcourt nearly banked in as the game ended. Triton had done nearly everything right down the stretch, but Sauk Valley still came at them, trimming an 86-79 lead to two as time dribbled down. Two free throws each by Dior Connors and game-high 24-point scorer Dylan Williams were barely enough to keep the 11-7 Skyhawks from forcing overtime, or worse.
 
The last-minute dramatics capped an eventful afternoon of a pair of close-shave victories in a women's-men's doubleheader against Sauk Valley at the Jordnt Athletic Complex.
 
"It was crazy. We can't do that again," Williams said of his dead-eye foul shooting that almost was evened up by Fayne's hopeful three-point attempt. The Skyhawks' guard already had hit five of six of his trey attempts.
 
After losing by 12 points at home against Triton on December 6, Sauk Valley seemed determined to avenge the loss on the road this time. The Skyhawks kept the game tight throughout while forcing the Trojans to bring their own home-run game. The teams combined for 16 three-pointers in the first half alone, with Williams hitting four.
 
Williams, who also led the Trojans with seven assists, realizes quality opponents will bring their postseason-level game against the Trojans, who have legitimate national tournament aspirations. Triton can only fight fire with fire.
 
"It makes us come out and fight," Williams said. "We're supposed to be the top dog. Everyone wants to be the top dog.
 
"It's all about effort and will to work."
 
Triton forged nine-and 10-point leads midway through the second half, but Sauk Valley stormed back each time to make the contest a one-possession game. Fortunately, Williams' productive game was complemented by Conners and Amar Aguillard.
 
Conners finished with 20 points while Aguillard had 22. A.J. Dixon added 16. Williams, Conners and Dixon were a composite 12-for-12 at the free-throw line, a perfect feat that kept the Skyhawks from an upset.
 
"It's about focus," said Williams. "We trust each other and that's why we got the win today."
 
With no more subzero weather forecast this week, coach Brian Williams should complete some tutorial practices to prepare his players for the next game, a road test against Southeastern Iowa on Saturday, January 27.

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)