Edwards scores 22 in Sophomore Day Win Over Dakota County
The Triton Men extended their win streak to five and kept their hopes for a three-seed in the upcoming ICCAC Region 11 tournament alive with an 85-66 win over Dakota County on Sophomore Day at Hodges Fieldhouse on Saturday (2/22) afternoon.
Only up five at half, Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch challenged his group to play with more energy and excitement. "I wasn't happy with our play in the first half. We didn't play to our potential." said Kirsch. "We talked about Sophomore Day and what that means to the program. How special it is to be a part of college basketball. At any level."
Sophomore, Riley Edwards, would provide the spark the Tritons needed hitting three consecutive 3-points shots to stretch the Triton lead to 65-50 with ten minutes to play. Edwards would finish 6 of 11 from three with 22 points.
"Riley kind of blew it open for us. He got the crowd into it. And got the team going," said Kirsch. "I'm so proud of him. He's worked tremendously hard and stayed the course. He was on a tear. To see him do that on Sophomore Day was special."
Along with Edwards, Terrius Walker and Daviyon Gaston played for the Tritons last season as well. Walker finished with a double-double scoring 13 points to go with 15 rebounds and Gaston added 12 points along with seven assists.
"Riley, Terrius, and Daviyon all came back and committed to the new staff and a completely new situation," said Kirsch. "They were the three leading scorers today. Sophomores Lane Campbell and Cooper Randall had great games too. We started those five today to honor them."
Irakli Akhalia and Marko Blagojevic were also honored before the game during the sophomore recognition. "I just can't say enough about them. About their buy-in," said Kirsch on the sophomore group. "I'm truly blessed to be their coach. Where they've taken the program in one year with a chance to finish the regular season 18-11."
The Tritons close regular season play on Wednesday (2/26) with a conference matchup with Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, IA that will determine final seeding for the Region 11 Tournament. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Tournament play starts on Saturday (3/1) at the four highest seeds.
Statistical Leaders vs. Dakota County –
Points – Riley Edwards (22), Terrius Walker (13), Daviyon Gaston (12), Cooper Randall (9), CJ Mitchell (9)
Rebounds – Terrius Walker (15), Aleix Sempere Serrano (6), Lane Campbell (4)
Assists – Daviyon Gaston (7), Lane Campbell (5), Three Tritons tied with one.
Steals – Terrius Walker (2), Three Tritons tied with one.