LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The Trevecca Nazarene University men's basketball team (15-5, 10-4 GSC) secured a hard-fought 70-63 victory over the University of West Alabama (9-10, 6-8 GSC) on the road, completing the regular season sweep against the Tigers.
With his eight assists tonight,
Mateo Esmeraldo moved into the top 10 in career assists in the NCAA Division II era at Trevecca. He has 135 assists and now is ninth on the career list.
THE SERIES
Trevecca improves to 2-0 all-time against the UWA Tigers, sweeping the regular season series after their earlier win this season..
BREAKING IT DOWN
Much like their first meeting, this was a defensive, grind-it-out style of game where every possession mattered.
Both teams came out strong, trading baskets and keeping the game tight throughout the opening minutes. Neither side could create separation as each run was met with an immediate response.
The first half remained a one-possession battle until the very last second when
Jalen Page drilled a deep three-pointer just before the buzzer, sending Trevecca into halftime with a 38-32 lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm in what continued to be a physical, defensive-minded contest.
Trevecca managed to establish a bit of breathing room, pushing their lead to as many as 11 points with just under eight minutes remaining. However, West Alabama refused to back down, chipping away at the deficit and making it a four-point game in the final minutes.
Despite the late surge from the Tigers, Trevecca held firm. Key defensive stops and clutch shot-making allowed the Trojans to close out the game and secure the victory.
THE PLAYERS
Despite missing key starters
Jikari Johnson and
NaVuan Peterson, the Trojans handled their absences well, with players stepping up in crucial moments.
Jalen Page led the team with 22 points, shooting 5-11 from three and grabbing six rebounds.
Mateo Esmeraldo had 16 points, eight assists, and three rebounds, running the offense efficiently.
Caleb Terry controlled the glass with seven rebounds and seven points.
Spencer White added five points, eight rebounds, and a block to anchor the defense.
THE TEAM
Trevecca's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc proved to be a key factor, as the Trojans hit 11 three-pointers at a 36.7% clip, while West Alabama struggled from deep, shooting just 25.9%. The Trojans also capitalized in transition, outscoring the Tigers 16-2 in fast break points. Bench production played an important role as well, with Trevecca's reserves contributing 14 points compared to West Alabama's 27, a gap that the Trojans managed to overcome with their efficiency and execution down the stretch.
UP NEXT
Trevecca continues its Alabama road trip with a major challenge ahead as they face the undefeated University of Alabama Huntsville (19-1, 14-0 GSC).
