Trojans run out of gas in upset bid of No. 5 Indian Hills

The Triton College men's basketball team tried to stay competitive, but ground to a halt offensively in the second half in a 69-54 loss to No. 5 NJCAA DI ranked Indian Hills Community College (IA) Feb. 4 at the Jordnt Athletic Complex gymnasium.
 
Averaging 82 points a game, Triton (12-9) set a season-low with its offensive output, five below the previous low of 59 points.
 
Guard Papa Kounta was the only Trojan with a banner night, tallying a game-high 24 points with 14 rebounds. Terez Holmes was the only other teammate in double figures with 11 points.
 
Triton fell behind 23-10 early to the deep, tall Warriors (22-2). But the Trojans quickly wiped out the edge to forge several ties, including a 29-all halftime score.
 
But Indian Hills pulled ahead again early in the second half to lead 53-43. Triton tried to stay in the game cutting that lead in half, but had no finishing kick as the visitors established control.
 
"We just ran out of gas," said interim coach Taylor Lavery.
 
The Trojans were able to somewhat hinder the Warriors' high-powered offense. "We followed a plan to limit their perimeter jumpers," said Lavery. The Warriors shot 39 percent overall.
 
But the Trojans could not take advantage by shooting just 35 percent overall. They further hampered themselves shooting just 7-for-17 from the free-throw line.
 
"Hats off to Indian Hills," said Lavery. "they showed why they're a Top 10 team."

The Warriors swept the season series from the Trojans, winning the first meeting 94-71 Jan. 13 in Ottumwa, Iowa.
 
Triton will hit the road to West Burlington, Iowa to play Southeastern Iowa Community College on Saturday Feb. 7. Next home game is Tuesday, Feb. 10 against Olive-Harvey College. Game time is 7 p.m.

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)