NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – Manchester University's nine three-point contest wasn't quite enough for the home-standing Spartans to overcome Trine University on the second day of the 2014 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference – Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Challenge Sunday, Nov. 30.
Junior forward Matt Brown (Hobart, Ind.) turned in a personal single-game career high to guide the Spartans. He tallied 29 points, thanks in large part to a sizzling five-of-10 effort from outside the arc and an eight-of-eight at the free throw line. Brown also grabbed eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Blake Brouwer (Elkhart, Ind.) added 12 points, and junior guard Brady Dolezal (Tipton, Ind.) tallied 11 points for his 17th double-figure total in his last 18 appearances.
The Spartans, dipping to 1-4, kept their non-conference in-state rivals within arm's reach throughout the opening frame. MU trailed just 35-28 at intermission, but the Thunder (3-2) hit a trey of their own, which was one of 10 successful conversions, to start off the second 20 minutes for a double-digit lead. TU opened the advantage to as much as 17 (62-45), but the home crowd inside Stauffer-Wolfe Arena saw the Black and Gold close as close as six (72-66) in the waning moments. A perfect six-of-six effort at the charity stripe over the final 2:27 iced the decision for the visitors.
Manchester University moves into HCAC play Wednesday, Dec. 3. They travel to Defiance College of Ohio for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
NOTES: Senior guard Caleb Jackson (New Castle, Ind.) added team bests of six assists and two blocked shots. Jackson's assist total was the most in a game for a Spartans' player since January of last season … Brown's point total was the most for an MU player since January of last year. His points-per-game average jumped nearly four full points (12.8 – 16).