Big second half leads Tritons to victory over Columbus

Delayed a day by weather, the Triton Men traveled to Columbus, NE on Thursday (2/13) for a matchup with Central Community College-Columbus. Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch, coached with Raider Head Coach and close friend, Tyler Francis, at Kirkwood from 2019-2022.

A slow start saw the Tritons fall behind 31-12 after twelve minutes before battling back and cutting the Raiders lead to 37-30 at halftime. "We dug ourselves a huge hole. We just came out a little flat and they were guarding us like crazy," said Kirsch on the Tritons' first half play. "Our defensive intensity wasn't high enough and they made us pay."

After challenging his Tritons at half to play their game, they quickly tied the game in the first two minutes of the second half and would go on to the 80-76 victory. "We challenged the guys at half to pick it up defensively, play our game, and be who we are," said Kirsch. "We were able to do that. Really happy overall with our second half."

Jordan Cain led the Tritons with 30 points, seven rebounds, three steals and three assists in the victory. Daviyon Gaston scored 14 points with three steals and Lane Campbell added 11 points. Cooper Randall returned from an illness to score nine points off the bench.

The free throw line was the difference in the game. As a team, the Tritons only shot 35.4% (23-65) from the field, but their aggressive offensive play got them to the line 36 times to the Raiders' 14. The Tritons also won the rebounding (32-26) and turnover (13-19) battles.

"This one was pretty crazy. This is a tough road environment to play in and winning on the road against a really well coached team is always tough to do." said Kirsch. "I'm happy we got the win. We showed a lot of resolve and we didn't always have that early in the year. We found a way to win."

Up next for the Tritons is a conference matchup with NIACC on Sunday (2/16) afternoon. "Third place is still up for grabs in the conference standings," said Kirsch on the importance of Sunday's game. "We're all jam packed right in the middle. NIACC is a must win game for regional tournament seedings." Tip is set for 3:00 PM in Mason City.

Statistical Leaders vs. Central-Columbus –
Points – Jordan Cain (30), Daviyon Gaston (14), Lane Campbell (11), Cooper Randall (9)
Rebounds – Jordan Cain (7), Aleix Sempere Serrano (7), Lane Campbell (4)
Assists – Jordan Cain (3), Three Tritons tied with one.
Steals – Jordan Cain (3), Lane Campbell (3), Daviyon Gaston (3), Jalen Wynter (2)