The Trojan Men’s Basketball team finished strong in their first post-season tournament. They faced Lenoir Community College on Saturday in the first round. The game was closer than they had thought; however, they were able to pull away at the end, winning 101-86.
The second round was the game the Trojans (#7 seed) wanted. They had blown leads twice during the regular season to Bryant and Stratton College, and wanted a chance at a redemption. Well they got it, winning 107-100, in a game that they only trailed once. This victory puts them in the Final Four in the Region 10 tournament with Richard Bland, Louisburg, and Pitt, all of whom have been nationally ranked this season. The Team likes its path and chances in the team’s first run at a Region Championship.
Lenoir (#10 seed) played well with a pressure zone defense that had the Trojans settling for outside shots. Jabari Bowman settled the team with slashing attacks at the basket, ending with a game high 32 pts. Tristen Rodriguez hit a couple 3’s and Johnny Hughes mopped up inside the boards. The Trojans led 42-26 at the half.
Early in the second half, the Lancers made a strong push getting the score as close as 9 pts. before the Trojans were able to put the game away. Deion Stover came off the bench for 10 pts and sparked the inside play. Nick Kuhns and Bowman, continued to work the ball hard to the basket, and Austin Edwards battled hard for his points, as well. Everyone played and all, but one, got on the scoreboard.
FTCC #7 42 59 101
LCC #10 26 60 86
FTCC Haymer, 5, Adams, 5, Kuhns, 14, Bowman, 32, Guthrie, 1, Mateen, 2, Rodriguez, 9, Mims, 5, Stover, 10, Miller, 8, Hughes, 6, Edwards, 4
3 Pt. 6, Adams, 1, Bowman, 1, Rodriguez, 2, Mims, 1, Miller, 1
LCC Kelson, 5, White, 14, Rhem, 22, Agee, 13, Brannock, 16, Moore, 13, Joyner, 3
3 Pt. White, 3