Tiger Men Earn First SCAC Win of the Season at Austin College

Sherman, Texas - The Trinity Tigers men won their first SCAC game of the season with a 90-80 victory over the Austin College Kangaroos Sunday night at Hughey Gym.

Trinity (4-7, 1-2 SCAC) fell to Colorado College last Friday, but has won four of the last five games. Austin College dropped to 6-5 and 3-1 SCAC. The two teams will play again Feb. 13 in Sams Gym.

The Tigers, who scored a season high in points, were paced by a double-double from senior forward Luke Caldarera (Houston/Katy Taylor).  He produced 27 points and 11 rebounds, both of which are the most by a Trinity player this season. Caldarera shot 11-14 from the field, sank 4-4 free throws, and dished out three assists.

First-year forward Robert Kitzinger (Carmel, Ind.) also had an excellent game, with 20 points. His performance was highlighted by 6-12 shooting in 3-point range. Zach Lambert (Frisco, Texas/Centennial), a first-year forward, scored 11 points, pulled in six rebounds, accounted for five assists, and made two steals. Matt Feldman (Honolulu/Punahou). a first-year guard, also had five assists in the game, while scoring six points.

The Tigers led 56-44 at halftime shooting 75 percent from the field, and making 80 percent of their 3-point attempts. The 'Roos, down 14 points (44-58) early in the second half, pulled to six points on seven occasions. Late in the game, Trinity's lead was cut to six (78-72) with 6:02 on the clock. The teams went scoreless for two minutes, until Lambert scored on a tip-in at 4:03 (80-72). Austin College came close over the next three minutes, and was down 80-86 at 1:29. Caldarera made a layup with 51 seconds remaining. Lambert rebounded a Kangaroos missed shot, was fouled and sank two free throws to ice the game.

Austin College had five players in double figures, led by Josh Saunders (18), Jordan Hancock (17), and Scott Straley (16).

Trinity shot 53.3 percent (32-60) from the field, and 48 percent (12-25) beyond the arc. Austin College hit 42.2 percent (27-64) and 37 percent (10-27) in the respective categories. The Tigers held a sizable 41-28 advantage in rebounding.

The Tigers return home next weekend for two SCAC games. Trinity will host Millsaps Friday, and Hendrix Saturday, with an 8 p.m. tip-off each day.