Triton Men Open Conference Play with Win Over WIT
In what's becoming a common theme for the Triton Men (7-3) early in their season, they play team basketball and everyone plays a part in their victories. Five Tritons again scored in double figures as they opened conference play with a 79-68 victory over first year program, Western Iowa Tech, on Saturday (11/30) afternoon in Hodges.
Trailing 11-5 early and only leading by two at half, 36-34, the Tritons would slowly pull away in the final seven minutes after the Comets took a five point lead early in the second half.
"We got off to a slow start." said Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch. "They are a very athletic, drive heavy team and they rebounded well. We didn't handle it very well early and gave them to many shots around the rim. Just to many open looks."
Jalen Wynter made 7-of-11 from three to lead the Tritons with 21 points. Jordan Cain added 14 points, four rebounds, and four steals with Vice Grbic pulling down six rebounds to go with 14 points.
"Overall I'm really happy with our team. We got things going offensively, kept our foot on the gas, and rebounded pretty well in the second half." said Kirsch. "Jalen's start to the season shooting-wise might be the best freshman start that I've ever seen in my ten years of coaching. He's just a talented shooter, smart, defends well, just a good kid. I'm so proud of the way he stays so even keeled for us."
Wynter continues to lead the ICCAC conference in 3PT shots made (39) and made pct. (54.9%). Omarion Roberts from NIACC is second with 26 3PT shots made.
Coach Kirsch is excited for the Tritons' upcoming week as he returns to Kirkwood where he was an assistant coach for four years before coming to Iowa Central. "It's a huge week this week as we go to #4 Kirkwood and then welcome #9 Ellsworth to Hodges on Saturday. We won a national championship and won or tied for the league title three of the four years while I was at Kirkwood. It's a special place in my career and my heart and I'm looking forward to going back to Johnson Hall and trying to take one from the Eagles."
The Tritons travel to Cedar Rapids on Wednesday (11/4) for the conference matchup with #4 Kirkwood. Tip is set for 7:30 PM.
Coach's Key Moment - Jalen Wynter's 3PT shot with 7:00 minutes left to stretch the lead to seven.
Coach's Key Statistic - Tritons committing only 10 turnovers to WIT's 16.
Statistical Leaders vs. Western Iowa Tech –
Points – Jalen Wynter (21), Jordan Cain (14), Vice Grbic (14), Lane Campbell (10), CJ Mitchell (10)
Rebounds – Vice Grbic (6), Irakli Akhalaia (4), Jordan Cain (4)
Assists – Irakli Akhalaia (4), CJ Mitchell (4), Jordan Cain (3)
Steals – Jordan Cain (4), Jalen Wynter (3)