NASHVILLE – The Trevecca Nazarene University Men's Basketball team (7-3, 2-2 GSC) secured a 64-51 win over the University of West Alabama (6-4, 2-2 GSC) in a dominant performance, highlighted by a record-setting defensive effort with 13 blocks—the most in program history.
THE SERIES
This matchup marked the first-ever meeting between Trevecca and West Alabama in men's basketball.
BREAKING IT DOWN
The matchup was a defensive slugfest from start to finish, exactly as the Trojans anticipated against a West Alabama squad known for their tight defense and low-scoring contests.
The Tigers started hot, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
However, Trevecca responded quickly with two consecutive "and-one" plays and a smooth layup to take an 8-6 advantage early on.
Momentum shifted back and forth during the first half, with the Tigers going on a 13-5 run midway through to establish a seven-point lead.
The Trojans called two critical timeouts, regrouped, and exploded on a 10-2 run over the next three minutes. Trevecca regained the lead, 23-22, with just under four minutes remaining in the half.
They carried that edge into the locker room, extending their streak of not trailing at home at halftime for the 301st consecutive day, holding a narrow 27-25 lead.
The second half was more of the same gritty, old-school basketball, with both teams trading buckets and playing tough defense. But as the game progressed, Trevecca found a way to speed up the tempo, turning the battle into a higher-paced affair that worked to their advantage.
The Trojans' defense took center stage, delivering a record-breaking 13 blocks—shattering the previous single-game program record of 10 set against Cedarville during the 2017-18 season.
Down the stretch, Trevecca's defensive dominance fueled their offense, as they went on a decisive 22-13 run over the final eight minutes. The Tigers couldn't recover, and the Trojans closed out the game with a 64-51 win.
KEY PLAYERS
NaVuan Peterson scored 16 points on 10-for-10 free-throw shooting, while also grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking 5 shots and tallying 3 steals, all game highs.
Jalen Page delivered a game-high 24 points, including 10 rebounds for a double-double, and added 2 blocks to his tally.
Jikari Johnson chipped in 14 points
THE TEAM
Trevecca's defensive effort was the story of the game, with the Trojans setting a new program high of 13 blocks while also recording 13 steals, one short of the program high.
Their suffocating defense held West Alabama to just 26.2% shooting from the field and 29.6% from three-point range.
On the boards, Trevecca dominated with 52 rebounds (two short of the program high), including 15 offensive boards, giving them multiple second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, the Trojans' ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the free-throw line (26-of-31, 83.9%) proved to be the difference-maker. Despite shooting just 17.4% from beyond the arc, their defense and grit carried them to victory.
UP NEXT
The Trojans hit the road for a pair of Gulf South Conference matchups. They face Valdosta State University (7-2, 2-1 GSC) on Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 PM, followed by a clash with the University of West Florida (1-8, 0-3 GSC) on Saturday, December 21, at 4:00 PM.
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