Cain's 21 Leads Tritons Past NIACC in 2025 Opener at Hodges

Back in Hodges Fieldhouse for the first time in 2025 was just what the Triton Men (9-7) needed to snap a tough four game losing streak. A fast start and efficient play gave the Tritons a 46-34 lead at the half and they would go on to defeat NIACC, 95-76.

"We played at a really good pace and had a strong offensive night." said Triton Head Coach, Ryan Kirsch. "The guys were seeing openings and taking high quality shots. Perimeter shots are good for our team."

The Tritons shot 36-62 (58.1 %) from the field and 16-33 (48.5%) from behind the arc with seven Tritons hitting from three. "We're learning what good to great shots looks like. We shot 63% in the second half." added Kirsch. "That's tremendous."

The Tritons' leading scorer, Jordan Cain, led the way with 21 points, four rebounds, and four steals. Daviyon Gaston added 14 points off the bench.

Only turning the ball over once in the first half led to the Tritons winning the turnover battle, 10-15. "A credit to our guys for taking care of the ball and making the right reads." Kirsch said on the play of his guards. "We're always working to eliminate controllable turnovers." The Tritons are second in the ICCAC in fewest turnovers per game with 13.9.

Kirsch was also happy with how the Tritons handled NIACC's leading scorer, Omarion Roberts, who averages 19.3 points per game. "Our game plan was to try and make things tough on him." said Kirsch. "We did that and we were able to hold him to eight points."

"We still have things we need to keep working on." Added Kirsch. "It was a fun game. We scored a lot of points, but we still need to keep improving defensively as we get into the heart of conference play."

The Tritons head to Norfolk, NE on Wedensday, January 15th for a matchup with Northeast Community College. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 PM. 

Statistical Leaders vs. NIACC –

Points – Jordan Cain (21), Daviyon Gaston (14), Jalen Wynter (12), Aleix Sempere Serrano (10)

Rebounds – Vice Grbic (5), Jordan Cain (4), Daviyon Gaston (3), Terrius Walker (3)

Assists – CJ Mitchell (4), Daviyon Gaston (2), Terrius Walker (2)

Steals – Jordan Cain (4), Vice Grbic (2), Riley Edwards (2), Terrius Walker (2)