Trojans split in Arizona

Trinidad State headed to Thatcher, Arizona this past weekend for a pair of games at the Eastern Arizona Thanksgiving Classic. The Trojans returned with a split after a pair of high scoring, high intensity games.

On Friday the Trojans picked up their sixth straight win with a 101-96 win over Pima Community College. The Trojans shot well in the game hitting 56 percent of their shots including a 10-19 performance from behind the 3-point line. Sophomore Marqus Richards led the team with 33 points. Shane Burrell had 19 and Ryan Gesiakowski put in 16. Devon Manning hit from downtown six times to total 24 points in the contest.

On Saturday the Trojans faced the Gila’s on their home court. Eastern took an early lead and held a slight 50-42 advantage at the break. Trinidad trailed by as many as 12 at one point in the second half but cut the score to three at the seven minute mark. The Gila’s pushed the lead back to 12 with 3:00 left. Trinidad kept cutting the lead, but could never get it below four. Eastern held on for the 92-88 win.

In a game that saw five technical fouls and 71 total free throws the Trojans picked a bad night to struggle from the line. TSJC only hit 17 of their 33 charity shots while Eastern put in 27 of their 38 attempts. Richards again led the Trojans with 30 points. Manning (14) and Justin Lindsey (10) also finished in double figures.

“When we started this trip I think a split seemed like it would be a successful trip and it was, however once you get that first one you would really like to go for the sweep,” said Coach Rich Holden. “We had our chances against Eastern. I thought our guys battled very hard and laid in all on the line. Our free throw shooting hurt us a little. 17 for 33 in a four point loss is disappointing.”

The Trojans (8-3) will be off this weekend before heading out on the road one last time before the break. They will travel to Roswell, New Mexico to face New Mexico Military on Tuesday. Then next weekend the Trojans will host the TSJC Classic. Games tip off at 6 p.m. on Friday with Otero vs Clarendon. TSJC vs Fort Carson will follow. On Saturday Otero will face Fort Carson at 5 p.m. and the Trojans will host Clarendon in the late game.