Angola, Indiana—Basketball season has begun for the Mount St. Joseph University Men's Basketball program. With a full schedule ahead, the Lions traveled to d3hoops.com number seven ranked, Trine University to open their season. This game ended with the Mount on the wrong side of the total, falling 61-52 in a very competitive game.
The first half of this ballgame saw the Lion's offense start hot, converting 50% of their field goal attempts, and going 6 of 12 from the three-point line. Opening the scoring for the Lions was Senior Brady Thomas, following a Tanner Clos steal. Fast forward to the 14:17 mark the Lions had the score knotted up at 10-10, before going on a 14-4 run, led by Thomas and David Luers to take a 24-14 lead. At this point the Lions continued to hold off any of Trine's strong attempts to reclaim the lead for the remainder of the half, entering the break with a 33-32 lead.
The second half of this ball game, saw Trine control of the game on the defensive end of the court, holding the Lions to only 19 second-half points. Despite the effort by the Thunder the Lions were still in a great position, late in the game. With 3:11 remaining in the game, Thomas knocked down a jumper to pull the Lions to within one, down 52-53. After this point, the Thunder assembled a nine-point run to close the game out, and secure the win.
Despite a close loss, the Lions saw strong performances by several individuals. Thomas and David Luers led the team in scoring, each registering 11 points. Luers went three of six shooting from behind the arc and a perfect two of two from the charity stripe, while coming up with two steals on the defensive end of the court. Big man, Devin Young was the centerpiece for the Lions, totaling a team high rebounds and assists, pulling down seven of the Lion's 35 rebounds, and dishing out five assists.
The Lions will be back in action on Wednesday, November 10 when they make the short trip to Wilmington College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM. For continued coverage of this upcoming game and all other MSJ Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
