KALAMAZOO, Mich. - It was a solid start to the conference season for the Trine University men's basketball team as four players scored in double figures to lead the Thunder to a 65-56 over Kalamazoo College. The win marks the first time since the Thunder joined the MIAA in 2004-05 that they have won their conference-opener, improving their record to 8-4 on the season.
Kalamazoo made the first basket of the game, but the Thunder quickly recovered by scoring six unanswered points to take the lead. The Hornets would fight their way back but the Trine offense again would go on a run to push their lead to eight points with 13 minutes remaining in the opening half. Kalamazoo would answered right back with a run of their own capped off by a free throw by Joe Prepolec with 8:16 remaining to give the Hornets a two point lead. Trine junior Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering) stopped the Hornets run with a layup just 18 seconds later to tie the game. The two sides traded buckets over the final minutes of the game as Kalamazoo's Prepolec hit another free throw with 1:40 left in the half to give the Hornets a 25-24 lead at the break.
The Thunder came out of the locker room ready to go as they scored 12 points in the first 3:46 of the second half as they built to a six points lead. The run quickly came to an end as the Hornets rallied, scoring six answered points to tie the game at 36 apiece. After both sides traded buckets, Kalamazoo took a one point lead after the Hornets Joe Wilson made two free throws at 40-39 with 11 minutes remaining in the game. From there, the Thunder took control of the game, outscoring the Hornets 10-4 over the next eight minutes to take a five points lead. Trine made 11-of-14 free throws in the final 1:52 of the game to seal the victory.
The Thunder were led by junior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) who scored a game-high 19 points. Sophomore Chris Kent (Angola, Ind./Angola) scored a season-high 14 points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out two assists. Rogers added in 13 points to go along with four rebounds, three steals and a game-high two blocks. Senior Tim Pearcy (Vicksburg, Mich./Vicksburg) pulled down a team-high seven rebounds while scoring 11 points and picking off three steals. Freshman Braden Knight (Bedford, Ind./Bedford North Lawrence) notched a game and season-high five steals while contributing with eight points.
The biggest difference came in the second half as 26 of the Thunder's 41 points came off of forcing 13 Kalamazoo turnovers. Both teams made 22 field goals, but the Thunder converted on just 45 shots compared to 52 for the Hornets. Trine also shot better from the free throw line making 19-of-29 (65.5%) compared to just 6-of-13 (46.2%) for Kalamazoo.
With the win, the Thunder improve their all-time conference record against Kalamazoo to 9-6 since the 2004-05 season.
Trine will return to action on January 7 when they host MIAA opponent Alma College at 3:00 p.m.