M-Basketball: #3 RVC Knocked Off By Nationally Ranked Triton
Box Score In a battle of nationally ranked N4C foes, Triton College, the #4 ranked team in NJCAA DII, knocked off Rock Valley College, now the #3 ranked team in NJCAA DIII, 75-69 in River Grove, IL over the weekend. The loss bumps the Golden Eagles to 19-3 overall, and 4-2 in N4C play.
"It is frustrating," said Head Men's Basketball Coach
Evan Lavery. "It is the same song and dance every year since I have been here when we play at Triton. We are right there, and then do not have just enough to get over the top. Our guys played very hard. We stuck to the script very well. However, it is tough to win against any team, let alone a team like Triton, when you give up as many offensive rebounds and 50/50 balls as we did. We dissected the film, we will make adjustments, and we will work towards our game against Madison College."
The Golden Eagles jumped out to an early 21-10 lead. The Trojans responded, though, making a run to hold an 8-point halftime advantage. RVC did not cave in, clawing back into the game and tying it with under 5 minutes to play. After 2 strong drives by Triton to extend the lead to 5 points,
DeMari Davis answered with a thunderous dunk and drew a foul with 12 seconds remaining. Davis converted on the free throw to cut the Trojan lead to 2 points. On the ensuing possession, Triton's Alondes Williams was fouled, and cashed in on both free throws, which officially did the Golden Eagles in.
Davis led the way with 17 points for Rock Valley.
Malique Ross (16),
Elijah Pappas (13), and
Darius Branch (10) also recorded double figures for the Golden Eagles.
UP NEXT
The Golden Eagles travel to Madison College on Wednesday, January 24th. Tip off is set for 7:30 PM.
