The Trojan men's basketball team opened play at home this weekend with a pair of victories over Frank Phillips and Northern New Mexico JV. The Trojans are now 4-1 on the season.
TSJC got off to a slow start on Friday against the Plainsmen trailing 21-9 at the 10:40 mark of the half. A 3-pointer from Goy Wang would get TSJC going and a full court trapping defense would help the Trojans even it up with less than two minutes left in the half. Another Wang jump shot would send the Trojans to the locker room up 40-38 at the half. Frank Phillips started strong again in the second half, moving out to a 58-50 lead, only to see Trinidad go on an 11-0 run to move back in front. TSJC held the lead the rest of the way, holding on for the 81-78 win. Five Trojans were in double figures led by Ian Kelly's 14. Keontae White (12), Wang (11), Issac Essein (11) and David Muenkat (10) were the other Trojans in double-digits. Bilal Shabazz had seven rebounds to lead the team and White had five assists.
On Saturday the Trojans hosted the Eagles from Northern New Mexico. Contrary to the night before Trinidad used a fast start to go up 13-0 early. The Eagles would hang close thanks to making 14 3-pointers, but the Trojans would never trail, winning 95-77. Kelly had 24 to lead TSJC in scoring and White added 18 points and six assists.
The Trojans will travel to La Junta this coming weekend to take on Lamar JV and Northwest College at the Otero Classic. They will be home on Tuesday, November 20 to host Laramie County at 6pm.