NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Trevecca Nazarene University Men's Basketball team (19-9, 14-8 GSC) closed their regular season with a dominant 79-56 win over Christian Borthers (10-18, 6,16). Seniors Hank Hutchenson, Jikari Johsnon,
Jalen Page,
Caleb Terry and
NaVuan Peterson were honored pregame.
THE SERIES
With the victory, Trevecca sweeps the season series against CBU and closes the all-time gap to 29-33 in favor of the Bucs.
BREAKING IT DOWN
Trevecca came into the game with an edge after a heartbreaking last-possession loss to Union on Thursday and looked determined to close the regular season with a statement.
The Trojans got off to a slow offensive start, managing just eight points in the first six minutes while struggling to find a rhythm. Christian Brothers took advantage early, going up 9-8 at the 13:50 mark. That, however, was the last time the Bucs held the lead.
From that point, Trevecca completely flipped the momentum, igniting an 18-8 run over the next seven minutes, and suddenly found themselves up 26-17 with 5:55 left in the first half.
Christian Brothers had no answer defensively, as Trevecca continued to push the pace and stretch their advantage. The Trojans went into the locker room leading 37-22, fueled by 46.7% shooting
The second half was all Trojans, as they continued to stifle CBU's offense, holding them to 31% shooting while extending their lead to as many as 27 points.
Trevecca never allowed CBU within single digits again as they cruised to comfortable 79-56 win to close the regular season.
THE PLAYERS
Jikari Johnson put on a show in his final regular season home game, dropping 30 points (9-19 FG, 9-10 FT) and 9 rebounds.
Jalen Page added 14 points while hitting two three-pointers.
Spencer White provided a big boost off the bench, scoring 10 points on 4-6 shooting.
NaVuan Peterson and
Caleb Terry combined for 14 rebounds, giving Trevecca control in the paint. Terry also matched Trevecca's single-season block record with 45 blocks.
THE TEAM
Trevecca displayed a well-rounded team effort, shooting 44.1% from the field (30-68) while holding Christian Brothers to just 31.0% (22-71). The Trojans also had the edge from beyond the arc, hitting 9-of-28 threes (32.1%), while CBU managed just 6-of-17 (35.3%). The Trojans dominated inside, outscoring CBU 40-28 in the paint. Defensively, the Trojans forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 13 points off turnovers.
UP NEXT
Trevecca now turns its attention to its first-ever NCAA DII home playoff game.
Despite the win, Montevallo's upset over No. 9 Valdosta State locked them into the third seed, dropping Trevecca to the fourth seed in the Gulf South Conference standings.
That sets up a quarterfinal showdown between Trevecca (4) and Delta State (5) on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:00 p.m.
The Trojans swept Delta State in the regular season, winning 99-88 at home (Jan. 9) and 76-69 on the road (Feb. 22). Now, they'll aim for a three-game sweep and a ticket to the GSC semifinals.
