Bench helps Trojans hold off pesky Kennedy-King

The bench once again provided the big spark in the Triton men's 83-74 victory over Kennedy-King College Nov. 18 at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium.

Ethan Johnson, Will Scott and Matt Sullivan combined for 28 points, including eight three-pointers, in a somewhat pedestrian game that acting head coach Taylor Lavery projected would involve some detailed tinkering in the next days practice.

Johnson hit consecutive three pointers to give the Trojans the lead for good early in the first half after the Statesmen had jumped off to an 11-4 start. He added two more from long range before halftime for his game total of 12 points.

Sullivan added a pair of treys to help stretch the lead to 20 points later in the first half. Scott, who with Sullivan is one of the two holdovers from previous Triton teams, then nailed two three pointers in the second half to hold off pesky Kennedy-King. The Trojans won their eighth straight against the Statesmen since moving up to Division I.

Triton improved to 4-3 after tough losses to top opponents Mineral Area College, Three Rivers Community College and No. 1-ranked Vincennes University.

But although the Trojans were never really challenged after boosting the lead to 39-19 before halftime, Lavery realized his players needed more work to put the hammer down. The Statesmen (0-7) outscored the Trojans 46-40 in the second half.
"We kind of took the foot off the gas," he said.  "We got a lot to clean up at practice."

Lavery did credit Johnson and Scott for providing the spark off the bench. Playing in just his third game this season, Akron, Ohio product Scott scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half.

Other Trojans who enjoyed productive nights were forward Miles Mitchell, hot early and finishing with a game-high 17 points. Guard Papa Kounta joined Scott in a good third quarter to score 16. Louisville product Keashawn Jordan, also playing in his third game, tallied 10.

The Trojans have one more game, against Division II Harper, Thursday (Nov. 20) at home before adjourning for the Thanksgiving break. Play resumes December 4 on the road at Malcolm X College before another home game December 6 against Sauk Valley Community College.

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)