Belton, Texas – The Tiger men's basketball team celebrated its Thanksgiving Weekend with a 74-66 road win over the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday.

GAME SUMMARY

Mary Hardin-Baylor sprinted to a 13-4 lead less than five minutes into the game, beginning with seven unanswered points at the start.

The Tigers fought back to take the lead several minutes later, as a three-pointer from Stephen Molina made it 20-18 Trinity with just over eight minutes until the half.

Though Mary Hardin-Baylor tied the game on its next possession, Trinity didn't trail again in the first period. The Tigers were held to just two points in the final 4:05 of the first half, but Trinity still led 34-31 as UMHB scored six of the final eight points before intermission.

In the second half, Trinity doubled the lead to six points, but Mary Hardin-Baylor stormed back to take the lead 47-45 with just under 12 minutes remaining.

Facing a 55-52 deficit with 8:12 to play, the Tigers took control of the game with 12 straight points to take a nine-point advantage.

UMHB got to within five (64-59) with 2:19 to go, but Trinity hit a three-pointer and 7-8 free throws in the final two minutes to hold on for the victory.

Both teams shot under 40% for the game, but while Trinity was 9-28 from beyond the arc, the Crusaders were held to just 8.7% (2-23) shooting from three-point range.

HIGHLIGHTS

Trinity improves its season record to 3-2, while the Tigers handed UMHB (3-1) its first loss of the season.

Matt Jones and Danny Rivara led five Trinity players in double figures with 13 points each. Rivara also added a team-best eight rebounds, while Jones dished out a team-high five assists.

Isaiah Specks came off the bench with 12 points on 4-8 shooting, hitting 2-4 from three-point range, and going 2-2 at the foul line. All 12 of his points came in the second half.

Jayden Holden and Brooks Mays both finished with 11 points in the game, and the two Tiger players shot a combined 8-8 from the free throw line.

UP NEXT

Trinity returns home on Tuesday, November 28, hosting Sul Ross State (TX) University at 7:00 p.m.