ANGOLA, Ind. — Down 10 at the break and searching for rhythm, the Heidelberg University Men's Basketball team delivered one of its most dynamic halves of the season Wednesday night, erupting for 62 second-half points to thunder past Trine, 97–85, inside the MTI Center.
The Student Princes (5–3) spent most of the first half chasing, unable to slow Trine's early pace or generate consistent offense. Heidelberg, which trailed by as many as 16, opened the second half with a sense of urgency and relentless defensive pressure.
"Tonight was a tough road challenge against a very good basketball team," said Heidelberg Head Coach
Mike Summey. "I'm really proud of how our guys continue to take these challenges head-on."
Marcos Vazquez was everywhere after halftime, defending and attacking in equal measure. He finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists to pick up his second double-double of the year.
"Every day, our players allow our staff to coach them hard and push them beyond others expectations," said Summey. "We play for each other, and for Heidelberg. The grind never ends."
The first big spark came from
Markell Johnson-Nichols, whose corner three and active hands helped flip the game's momentum. Moments later,
Trey Killens drilled a transition 3-pointer and followed it with a driving layup to cap a 10–0 run that sliced a once-comfortable deficit into a one-possession game.
From there, Heidelberg's offense never cooled.
Brady Bosma punished mismatches at the rim and added a pair of timely threes, finishing with 17 points.
Jarveil Gainey caught fire, scoring 19 points, including a deep right-wing three and multiple slicing layups that kept Trine on its heels.
Riley Gossom, an important leader for the Student Princes, delivered two tough finishes in traffic and knocked down clutch free throws. He finished with 10.
As foul trouble mounted for the Thunder, Heidelberg took complete control at the stripe, knocking down 26 second-half free throws and outscoring Trine by 14 at the line after halftime.
The Berg held Trine to 12-of-37 shooting in the second half and forced several off-balance threes late in the shot clock.
With under five minutes left, Vazquez attacked the lane for back-to-back scores, Gainey added a slashing layup, and Bosma converted a key putback to push the lead into double digits. Heidelberg's free-throw efficiency sealed the win, completing a dominant response to a frustrating first half.
Heidelberg has rallied from double-digit deficits to win its last two games.
Summey and the Student Princes dip into conference play on Saturday at Wilmington. The men play at 1 p.m., followed by the women's game.
