GAMBIER, OHIO -- The Trine University men's basketball team fell on the losing end of a 68-55 decision against non-conference opponent Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.
Trine (0-2) led by three points, 11-8, nearing the midway point of the first half when sophomore Maurice Hunter (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) scored on a layup that was preceded by a three-pointer by junior Pete Smith (Bristol, Ind./Northridge) as part of a 5-0 mini scoring run. Kenyon (3-0) then responded with a 10-1 run to take the lead, 18-12, and never trailed in the game again.
The Thunder later made it a three-point game, following another triple by Pete Smith at the 2:09 mark, but the Lords tallied back-to-back baskets to end the scoring in the first half to lead, 28-21, at the break. Trine shot just 24.0 percent (six-of-25) in the first half, including 30.0 percent (three-of-10) from long range and 60.0 percent (six-of-10) at the free-throw line.
Trine's offense picked up in the second half as the Thunder shot 53.6 percent (15-of-28) from the floor. Despite the improved shooting, Kenyon extended its lead to double figures for the first time in the game with 15:51 to go with a 10-point lead, 35-25. The Thunder kept the game within reach until the 5:38 mark when the Lords went on an 11-4 run to post their largest lead of the game of 16 points, 63-47, with 2:28 to play.
Kenyon equaled its largest lead shortly after and would go on to the 68-55 final.
Trine ended the game shooting 39.6 percent (21-of-53) overall and were held to 30.0 percent (six-of-20) from behind the arc. Pete Smith led both teams in scoring with a game-high 18 points on seven-of-14 shooting (50.0 percent) with four out of his seven made field goals coming from deep (four-of-eight overall). Hunter was the only other Thunder player in double figures with 13 points. He also grabbed six rebounds to tie with sophomore Langston Johnson (Elhart, Ind./Elkhart Central) for the team-lead.
Trine will begin an eight-game home stand starting with a non-conference game against Manchester (Ind.) University on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Hershey Hall.