Trojans rally late to clip SkyHawks

Since the move up to NJCAA Division I, the Triton College men's basketball team has dominated the series with regional rival Sauk Valley Community College. The Trojans had won all 14 meetings entering their match-up Dec. 14 in Dixon.

It appeared Sauk Valley's fortunes would change, holding a 13-point second half lead and the Trojans flustered on both ends of the floor. But Triton found some late game magic to fuel a dramatic 68-66 comeback victory to stun the Skyhawks.

The No. 22 ranked Trojans closed out the first half of the season with a 9-3 record.

Sauk Valley (7-9) came out on fire to the start the second half, going on a 16-2 run to take a 47-34 lead with 14 minutes left.

Triton chipped away and drew within 50-45 with 10 minutes to go following a deep three from Chase Coleman (six points).

The Skyhawks were able to maintain their advantage, holding a 64-58 lead with four minutes remaining.

But then the rally began with Dayjaun Anderson hitting one of his five three-pointers on the evening to cut the Sauk Valley lead in half to 64-61. After a pair of missed free throws by the Skyhawks, a Tolu Samuels bucket with 3:02 left made it 64-63.

The score stayed the same until the final minute as with the shot clock winding down, Vijay Wallace banked in a three with 42 seconds to play in regulation to give Triton their first lead since halftime at 66-64.

Sauk Valley on their ensuing possession tied the game on a pair of throws after drawing a Trojan foul with 27.9 on the clock.

Following a timeout, Triton began milking the final seconds off the clock. Then Anderson slashed through the lane and was fouled with 1.5 seconds left. Anderson went to the line and calmly sank both free throws to put the Trojans back in front. The Skyawks had one final chance but Triton intercepted the long inbounds pass to run out the clock to preserve the win.

Wallace led the Trojans with 23 points and nine rebounds. Anderson finished with 19 points and six assists. Samuels was also in double-figures with 10 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists.

Triton is off for the holiday's and will be back in action on Wednesday, January 8 when they will entertain Elgin Community College at Jordnt Athletic Complex gymnasium for a 7 p.m. tip.

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