Fast Start Leads Triton Men To Big Win Over #4 Kirkwood

Kirkwood's Johnson Hall has been a special place for Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch, and after tonight's 83-62 victory over the #4 Eagles, another special moment has been etched. Kirsch was an assistant coach for Kirkwood for four years prior to becoming the Triton's Head Coach this season. In his time at Kirkwood, Kirsch was part of a National Championship and the Eagles won the league three of the four years.

"It's a really special place to me. I was able to grow so much as a person and coach in my time there." said Kirsch. "To get a win in that building and to play the way we did tonight was awesome. I'm so proud of their effort and resolve in a tough environment. That's a really good win for our program."

The Tritons got off to a quick start and led 42-22 at the half and never looked back. "That was the most complete half we've played this year." said Kirsch. "We attacked them early and understood the game plan. Our guys really executed."

Jordan Cain led the way for the Tritons with 25 points, five rebounds, four steals, two assists, and two steals. Jalen Wynter added 23 points and continued his hot shooting from behind the 3PT arc, going 7-of-11. Wynter continues to lead the ICCAC conference in 3PT shots made (46) and made pct. (56.1%). Omarion Roberts from NIACC remains second with 28 3PT shots made.

Coach Kirsch was happy with another complete team effort. "We're showing a lot of maturity and growth. Jalen continues to be a weapon all the time. He's a special player, just a special kid." said Kirsch. "Terrius Walker, Vice Grbic, and Cooper Randall are three guys who don't get mentioned in the stat sheet as much, but do so many important things. Great screens, flying around, help side defense, doing the dirty work - they are so important to what we're doing."

The Tritons move to 8-3 (2-0 in the conference) and have a tough upcoming schedule with #11 Ellsworth, Iowa Lakes, and #6 DMACC coming up before winter break. "I'm excited to continue to coach this group. December is about building. That's our motto right now." said Kirsch. "You don't know how good you are until you get tested. The get the road win at Kirkwood shows we can play with anybody."

The Tritons host #11 Ellsworth on Saturday (12/7) at Hodges Fieldhouse. Tip is set for 3:00 PM

Coach's Key Statistic – The Tritons made 13 3PT shots with Jalen Wynter making 7-of-11.

Statistical Leaders vs. Kirkwood –

Points – Jordan Cain (25), Jalen Wynter (23), Cooper Randall (10), CJ Mitchell (9), Lane Campbell (8)

Rebounds – Terrius Walker (6), Irakli Akhalaia (6), Jordan Cain (5), Lane Campbell (3)

Assists – CJ Mitchell (5), Lane Campbell (4)

Steals – Jordan Cain (4), Six Tritons tied with one.