NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Trevecca Nazarene University Men's Basketball team (10-4, 5-3 GSC) regrouped well after nearly bottling a 22-point lead to beat Delta State (6-9, 2-7 GSC) 88-99 and remain unbeaten in 2025.
THE SERIES
This was the first-ever meeting between the Trojans and Statesmen in men's basketball.
BREAKING IT DOWN
The Trojans came out firing on all cylinders in their first home game of 2025. From the opening tip, the purple and white showcased a masterclass in efficiency, shooting over 60% in all categories: 69.57% from the field, 66.67% from three-point range, and 64.71% from the free-throw line in the first half.
Trevecca capitalized on their dominance, going 16-for-23 from the field in the opening 20 minutes, storming to a 47-29 halftime lead.
It seemed as though the Trojans were poised for a comfortable victory.
However, the second half told a different story. Delta State, once trailing by as many as 22 points, turned up the intensity, forcing turnovers and playing at a frantic pace.
The Statesmen went on an explosive 30-7 run, clawing their way back into the game. For the first time since the opening minutes, Delta State took the lead at 67-66 after a Phillip Hughes three-pointer followed by a Kolby Horace steal and and-one layup with 12:27 remaining.
Facing adversity, Coach Carroll, who has a 7-6 record in close games (games decided by 5 points or less), regrouped and sent the Trojans' starting unit back onto the floor. The move proved pivotal.
The Trojans regained control, mounting a composed response with a 33-22 run to close out the game. Trevecca's renewed efficiency down the stretch sealed the victory, with the final score standing at 99-88 and a new single game fieldgoal percentage record at 69.4%.
KEY PLAYERS
Jalen Page and
Jikari Johnson were standout performers for the Trojans, combining for 51 points.
Page led all scorers with 27 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 10-for-15 from the free-throw line.
Johnson was equally impressive, contributing 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting with three made three-pointers.
Caleb Terry dominated on the boards, grabbing a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Mateo Esmeraldo added 13 points and seven assists, while
Gus Davenport chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
THE TEAM
Trevecca's efficiency was evident throughout the game. The Trojans shot an incredible 69.4% from the field and 63.6% from three-point range for the game. While the Statesmen forced 21 turnovers, the Trojans' ability to convert their opportunities and control the boards (40-25 rebounding edge) proved decisive.
UP NEXT
The Trojans await rescheduling details for their postponed Saturday matchup against Mississippi College (6-9, 2-7 GSC). They'll then shift their focus to the road as they travel to Memphis to take on Christian Brothers University (7-7, 3-5 GSC) next Thursday at 7:30 PM.
