San Antonio, TEXAS – The Trinity men's basketball team heads to Chicago this weekend for the Midway Classic, hosted by the University of Chicago. Fresh off a win in their season opener against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Tigers will face two of the best teams in the nation with a chance to put their own names in that conversation.
Trinity, currently receiving votes in the national poll, won its last game on the road at UMHB, 82-74. Their stifling defense was a major key to the win, holding the Crusaders to 32% shooting thanks to Will Bronson (Dallas, Texas / Jesuit) and his 6 blocks and Ben Estis' (Southlake, Texas / Carroll) 3 steals. Bronson was crucial in the victory, turning in his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Dylan Walker (Highland Park, Texas / Highland Park) led the Tigers in scoring with 15 points.
SAA Athlete of the Week - Will Bronson
Bronson was named the SAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week for the first week of the season, his first career player of the week award.
From the SAA Press Release:
Bronson led Trinity's men's basketball team to an 82-74 season-opening victory at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sunday afternoon. Bronson posted his first career double-double to start off his sophomore year, combining 10 points with a team-leading 12 rebounds and a game-high six blocks. He hit 5-of-6 from the field in his 26 minutes on the floor, including a clutch shot with 1:29 remaining to put Trinity up 76-73 at the time.
Preview - Midway Classic
On the Emory Eagles: Emory enters the 2026 campaign ranked third nationally after a 23-6 run last year that ended with an OT loss in the NCAA Elite Eight. The Eagles are 1-0 after defeating Piedmont University 98-89 in their season opener. Their scoring came in bunches early, going into the half up 51-34. Leading by as much as 25, they survived a late rally from Piedmont to emerge with the win. Emory had five players in double digits, led by senior guard Ben Pearce. Two players posted double-doubles for the Eagles, highlighted by sophomore forward Mario Awasum's 19 points and 11 rebounds. Their strength lies in their efficient scoring, shooting 47% from the field and 44% from three.
On the Chicago Maroons: Chicago enters the season ranked 11th nationally after an 18-8 campaign last year in which they fell by one point in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. All but three of their losses came against top-10-ranked opponents, and they won three matches against nationally ranked opponents, including a double-digit win against second-ranked Emory. Their three-point shooting set them apart last season, averaging 9.0 threes while holding opponents to 6.6. Senior guard Joe Berry led returning Maroons in scoring last season with 12.0 points per game, to go with 5.3 rebounds and nearly 2 steals a game.
Looking Ahead
After their first test against nationally-ranked competition, the Tigers will head to Washington, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 21-22 for the Great Lakes Invitational, hosted by Washington & Jefferson College. They will meet Marietta College (2-0) and Case Western University (1-0). Both teams were under .500 last season.
