Trinidad State needed a pair of wins over the weekend to have a chance of hosting a first-round playoff game and thanks to a pair of complete team performances they got the wins they were looking for. The Trojans topped North Platte 79-72 on Friday evening and then beat McCook 105-100 on Saturday afternoon. The wins kept the Trojans in the hunt for a top four finish, but with top seed Otero coming to town on Tuesday there is more work to be done.
Friday was physical game that saw the Trojans jump out to a 14-1 lead early in the contest. The Knights fought back steadily throughout the game and drew within a couple of points late in the game. TSJC would put it away late holding on for the seven-point win. Chris Williams led all scorers with 30 points while Yephnick Adelphonse and Elijah Kess each added double figures. Treyvon Andres pulled in 12 boards and distributed six assists.
The pace of the game on Saturday was frantic, but the Trojans proved they could run with the Indians. TSJC led 51-43 at the break and extended that lead to almost 20 points only to see McCook whittle it back down to five before the final buzzer. Elijah Kess put in 24 to lead the Trojans. Joining him in double figures were Brandon Newman (20), Williams (20) and Andres (19). Williams and Andres combined for 24 rebounds; Williams added seven assists and Andres rejected five shots.
The Trojans (15-14, 8-7) will face Otero (24-5, 14-1) on Tuesday evening. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Scott Gym. The top four teams in the south region will host first round playoff games on Saturday against the next four seeds. The winners of those games will advance to play in the Region IX tournament in La Junta next week.