A flurry of three-pointers from much of the roster boosted the Triton College men's basketball team to one of its best performances this season in a 90-71 victory over regional rival Highland Community College January 7 at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium.
A total of seven players nailed three pointers, including three each by
Will Scott and
Ethan Johnson. Backup
Khaled Khaled connected on a long-distance shot for his only points, helping the Trojans (9-6) overcome a slow start and cruise through much of the second half.
Scott led all scorers with 21 points, two more than
Papa Kounta, who was 7-for-10 shooting, including a pair of three pointers.
Triton set a good tone in its first game following the holiday break. The pre-Christmas performances had been uneven, featuring road losses to Region 4 Division I opponents Kankakee, Olive-Harvey and Malcolm X.
"Our outside shots were better," said interim head coach
Taylor Lavery. "
Will Scott really shot the ball well. The guys stepped up."
Triton fell behind early, trailing 16-8 and 18-11. But five Trojans quickly erased the deficit with their three-point shooting. Scott (two), Johnson, Khaled,
Saadiq Moore and
Miles Mitchell all hit threes. The Trojans nailed 14 three pointers the entire game.
Scott's 10 early points helped build the lead to 40-29 at halftime. With 10 points after intermission, Kounta joined Scott in keeping the Cougars from getting back into the game. Triton had a 20-point lead midway through the second half before trading baskets with Highland through the final score.
Moore had a team-leading eight assists to go with 11 points. Four players – Johnson, Mitchell,
Terez Holmes and
Matt Sullivan – each had nine points. Holmes had a huge rebounding night with a game-high 15, while Mitchell had 11 rebounds.
Lavery was pleased with the balanced statistical performance, which will be needed as the Trojans do not have a dominant individual scorer as in recent seasons.
Duplicating the Highland output will be necessary with tough upcoming Region 4 tests against a pair or Iowa opponents -- Indian Hills Community College on the road next Tuesday (Jan. 13) and Southeastern Community College at home January 17. The goal is to establish momentum and consistency going into the Region 4 tournament.
"Every game matters from here on out," said Lavery.
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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)
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