Heading into this evenings game, the Calumet College of St. Joseph men's basketball team knew that they were going to face their first real test of the season in #21 Trinity International University. After blowing a 15-point lead, CCSJ showed resolve and were able to sneak by TIU for the upset to go along with their first conference win of the year.
RESULTS
CCSJ Crimson Wave – 77
#21 TIU Trojans – 75
HOW IT HAPPENED
Tonight's contest was a back and forth affair, with both teams holding significant leads at one point or another. CCSJ (7-0, 1-0 CCAC) jumped out to a 6-0 lead out of the gates, before Trinity International (4-3, 0-1 CCAC) went on a 18-2 run to gain back the lead and then some at 18-8. The Trojans weren't able to hold onto that 10-point lead however, as the Wave one upped them with an even larger run. Cal College went on a 22-5 run to take the lead back 30-23, one they would not relinquish for quite some time. The last three baskets for the Crimson and Gray were from behind the arc, giving them a 10-point lead going into the via thanks to one from Joe Larry (SR/Chicago, Ill. ) and a pair from fellow senior Randall Rushing (SR/Chicago, Ill.).
Throughout the first ten minutes of the second half, the Wave kept increasing their lead. By 11:57, CCSJ would hold the games largest lead of 15-points, but one that was not meant to last. TIU proceeded to score the next 24 of 31 points within a four-minute span to turn a double digit deficit into a three-point lead. The Trojans kept the lead for all but 14 second from there on out, but never could grow their lead to more than four during that time. That 14 seconds was all CCSJ needed. With time running down on both the game clock and shot clock, Joe Larry put up a coldblooded three to give Cal College the lead with only seconds to spare. A late Trinity jumper didn't fall, and Core'Von Lott (FR/Gary, Ind.) secured the loose ball to close out the thrilling upset by the score of 77-75. The win makes it seven in a row to begin the season, extending their historic start by one more win.
STAT OF THE GAME
Tonight was the Wave's first win against a ranked opponent since they took down then 19th ranked University of Saint Francis by the score of 83-78 back on January 5, 2017.
WAVE LEADERS OF THE GAME
Points: Chris Seaton (JR/Chicago, Ill.) (21)
Rebounds: Lazono Trammell (JR/Chicago, Ill.)
Assists: Joe Larry (7)
Steals: Anthony Cole (SR/Gary, Ind.) (3)
WHO'S ON DECK?
The Wave will face another tough test this weekend when they have their first home conference game this Saturday against Saint Xavier. Tipoff from the Rittenmeyer Center will occur 30 minutes after the women's game at approximately 3:00 pm.
For up-to-the-minute Crimson Wave sports news, including a full recap of the next game, visit us at ccsjathletics.com or download the CCSJ Athletics App on Google Play or the iTunes store. You can also follow CCSJ Athletics on social media on Facebook, @CCSJAthletics on Twitter and @crimsonwaveathletics on Instagram.
