Tritons Fall in Conference Showdown with #7 DMACC
Playing their third nationally ranked team in the last four games, the Triton Men fell to #7 DMACC on Wednesday (12/18) night in Hodges Fieldhouse.
Leading by six at half, the Tritons struggled offensively before falling behind in the second half of the 57-70 loss. The Tritons battled on the boards, outrebounding the Bears in the first half, 18-17, and only had ten turnovers to the Bears' 15. "We played a really strong first half." said Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch. "We knew they would make some adjustments at half, but it simply came down to not being able to generate enough scoring opportunities."
The Tritons shot just 33% (22-66) from the field and 13% (4-30) from 3PT range.
"If a few shots go in at the right time, it's probably a totally different game." said Kirsch. "We fought. Athletically, we can play with anyone. That's good to see against a top ranked team in the country in a really competitive league."
Jordan Cain scored 12 a pulled down six rebounds to lead the Tritons with Jalen Wynter adding 11 points. Daviyon Gaston had seven steals and six assists off the bench. Gaston's seven steals ties the second most steals in a game in program history with Sullivan Sykes (2002) and Jesse Jones (2012). Ky Kramer's eight steals in 2014 is the Triton record.
"Davion played a lot last season" Kirsh said on Gaston's play. "We're missing Lane Campbell who has missed the last two games due to injury, but CJ (Mitchell) and Davion have done a great job of stepping up."
Coach Kirsch knows there are no easy wins in the ICCAC conference as they prepare for the second half of the season. "This was our lowest scoring night at home this season. It was just one of those night shooting the ball." Kirsch said. "Every night these nationally ranked teams are coming at us and we just have to continue to get better. No excuses. I love this group of guys."
The Triton open 2025 with a trip to Council Bluffs for a matchup with #21 Iowa Western on January 4th. Tip is set for 3:00 PM.
Statistical Leaders vs. DMACC –
Points – Jordan Cain (12), Jalen Wynter (11), CJ Mitchell (8), Irakli Akhalaia (7)
Rebounds – Jordan Cain (6), Terrius Walker (5), CJ Mitchell (4), Three Tritons tied with three.
Assists – Daviyon Gaston (6), Three Tritons tied with one.
Steals – Daviyon Gaston (7), CJ Mitchell (2), Jordan Cain (2)