ANGOLA, Ind. - It wasn't a pretty start for the Trine University men's basketball team, but the Thunder mounted a huge comeback despite trailing 15 points in the opening five minutes to defeat Alma College 81-68. The Thunder improve their record to 13-7 on the season and 6-3 in the MIAA.

The Scots would open the game on a 16-1 run, as they hit six of their first eight shots. Trine would get their offense going with the help of senior Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering) who slammed home back-to-back dunks to send the crowd into a frenzy. Trine would continue to pound the ball inside to Rogers as they chipped away at the Alma lead. Thanks to the tandem of Rogers and fellow senior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian), the Thunder trailed it by just one, 40-39 at halftime. Jackson and Rogers combined to score 32 points for Trine in the first half.

After Alma made a free throw at the start of the second half, the Thunder would go on a 10-0 run to take their first lead of the game, one they would never relinquish. Leading by just six at 52-46, Trine would again go on an extended run, 15-3, to take their largest lead of the game. The Thunder defense never allow Alma to puller closer than nine points, which came with 46 seconds left before Trine scored the final four points of the contest.

Rogers led all players with his third double-double of the season and a career-high 33 points on 13-of-16 shooting. Rogers' 11 rebounds were also a game-high.  Jackson also had a solid night with 24 points and adding four assists. Freshman Jared Holmquist (Reed City, Mich./Reed City) added in 12 points while grabbing six boards and making a game-high three steals.  Fellow freshman Nick Tatu (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) scored in double-digits with 10 points and also napping three steals. Sophomore Dustin Hall (Fort Wayne, Ind./South Side) led all players with six assists on the night.

Despite the slow start, Trine finished the first half shooting 44.8% (13-of-29) from the floor.

Trine will be back at home on February 2 for a 3:00 p.m. game as they look to avenge an earlier loss to Adrian College.