Bantam Men’s Basketball shatters backboard and Bates

ANDREW LEFFLER ’16
STAFF WRITER
During the warm-ups for the Trinity College Men’s Basketball team’s game versus the Bates Bobcats, a backboard was shattered by Trinity’s Ed Ogundeko ’17. While it delayed the start of the game for 150 minutes, it also set the tone, for the Bantams would go on to rout Bates with a dominating 78-66 score. Trinity outperformed Bates in rebounds, with 40 boards compared to the Bobcats’ 32. Despite Trinity’s high turnover rate of 16, which resulted in Bates’ 18 points of turnovers, Trinity’s exceptional 57.1% (8-14) three-point shooting kept them ahead.
Jaquann Starks ’16 was the leading scorer for the Bants, tallying 14 points, four assists, and 2-3 shooting record from behind the arc. Ogundeko racked up nine boards to go along with six points, despite getting into foul trouble. Andrew Hurd ’16 totaled nine points with 2-4 coming from downtown.
The Bates bench outscored Trinity’s and also managed to have fewer turnovers, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Bantams. Trinity’s success was heavily predicated on their efficiency. Trinity shot 47.8% (22-46) compared to Bates’ 37.7% (23-61). Bates’ 28.6% three-point conversion rate (6-21) was no match for Trinity’s success from behind the arc. The most important difference between Trinity and Bates was the foul line, where points are usually guaranteed. Bates shot 53.8% (14-26) from the foul line while Trinity shot 81.3% (26-32).
With this recent victory, Trinity increases its win count with a record of 16-6 and a first-place record in the NESCAC at 7-1. The Bobcats’ record slid to 10-12 and 2-7 in the NESCAC. Trinity’s next match will take place Feb. 12 at 7p.m. at home against Hamilton.