By: Emilie Jenson

Public Information Coodinator

In an intense final minute, the Triton Men's Basketball Team came out victorious, 82-80, over No. 12 DMACC inside a packed Hodges Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon.

The Tritons got off to a quick 5-0 lead over the Bears in the early minutes of the game with DMACC quick to return those points, tying 5-5. 

The Tritons and Bears battled in a tough back and forth first half, keeping the game within six points for the remainder of the first half, with DMACC leading 39-33 at halftime.  

The Bears outscored the Tritons early in the second half, but back-to-back threes by Tritons Kevin Taylor and  Deuce Blake followed by a shot by Darius Henderson cut the Bears' lead to two and from there the contest became a shootout, keeping both teams' back and forth leads to five points or less.

In the final minute of the game, DMACC led over Iowa Central 80-75. A three-pointer by Blake again cut the Bears' lead to two,

The Tritons gained possession of the ball in the final seconds. Two free throws by Isaac Besh brought Iowa Central ahead 82-80, securing the win for the Tritons.

The Tritons were led by Blake with 23 points. Besh had 16 points, Henderson contributed 14 and Taylor 11.

"It was an intense, exciting game," said Triton Men's Head Coach Chad Helle. "Everyone played hard. We have to give scoring credit to Deuce Blake, he led us there, but it was a really good team win overall."

The Tritons will be on the road this week Taking on Iowa Western on Wednesday Feb. 8 and Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska on Saturday.