Trinity Men Finish Opening Tournament With Loss to A&M-Commerce

Austin, Texas - The Texas A&M-Commerce Lions, members of the NCAA Division II, beat the Tiger men 67-58 Monday at the St. Edward's University Shootout at the Recreation and Convocation Center.

Trinity (0-2) lost 63-52 to Midwestern State, also a member of Division II, on Sunday afternoon.

The Tigers, though, rallied from a 20-point second-half deficit from the Lions, with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Down 39-59, Trinity pulled to within nine points (56-65) with 59 seconds remaining by outscoring TAMU-Commerce 17-6 late in the game. Trinity's Luke Caldarera scored nine of the points during the run, and Bart Taylor added all five of his points. The Tigers and Lions both missed shots until 10 seconds left, when Michael Tobolowsky scored a layup. TAMU-Commerce countered with a layup as the game ended.

Tobolowsky led the game with 20 points, shooting 8-16 from the field, and going 3-10 in 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, two steals and one block. Caldarera recorded a double-double, with 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, shooting 6-12 from the field.

Ryan Beall was the game's assists leader, with seven, while producing two steals.  Beall was also named to the All-Tournament team for his efforts the past two days.

Trinity, down 24-35 at halftime, shot 37 percent from the field, while TAMU-Commerce hit 46 percent. The Tigers dominated the offensive boards 15-9, and led 40-34 in total rebounds.

The Lions (2-0) were paced by Ronnie Morgan's 17 points.  Brian Singleton added 14 points, while Brad Hambrick finished with 11 points and four assists.

Trinity continues its road trip Wednesday in Belton, Texas, taking on Mary Hardin-Baylor at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Tigers travel to Kerrville for a 6 p.m. game with Schreiner.  Trinity makes its home debut, as well as starting its SCAC campaign, on Thursday, Dec. 3, with Southwestern. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. in Sams Gym.