Game Notes: Trinity International University @ North CentralCollege (11/21/14)

Final Score
NCC 81, TIU 64

Game Summary
The Cardinals (1-0) came out strong and slowly built a lead, but the Trojans (1-5) kept it fairly close throughout the first half despite a lot of foul trouble. The lead ballooned bit by bit, growing to as much as 15 before NCC went into the locker room up 42-28, though Jack Burchett left shortly before the buzzer after getting hit in the head. Burchett returned for the second half, which was good, as he helped stem the Trojans coming out of the gate strong. They narrowed the gap to single digits for much of the half. The Cardinals kept ahead thanks to a strong inside game and clutch free throw shooting overall late.

Key Stats

• Jack Burchett (NCC): 9-11 FG, 6-12 FT; 24 pts, 14 reb (5 off), 3 ast, 1 stl. Big Jack was a force of nature. He was in double figures by halftime with nine rebounds, so he didn't get a ton in the second half, but he was the key offensive piece that stopped the bleeding.
• Charles Rosenberg (NCC): 11-14 FG (1-2 3PT), 2-7 FT; 25 pts, 5 reb (1 off), 2 stl, 3 blk. It's good to have Charlie back, though he goes by Charles now. The man was a destructive force in the paint to lead all scorers, though his free throws leave much to be desired. Then again, he hit a three late to drive Merner bonkers, so there's that.
• Justin Peeples (TIU): 4-12 FG (0-5 3PT), 8-12 FT; 16 pts, 2 reb (1 off), 5 ast, 1 stl. Peeples was probably the best guy for the Trojans tonight. He was a major player in keeping them close throughout the second half. He just couldn't knock down the deep ball.

Early Game Notes
Wisconsin-Whitewater 67, Bluffton 46. From what I heard, this was a closer game than the score suggested. Thayne Recker did most of the damage for Bluffton with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but the next leading scorer had six points. The Warhawks had a balanced attack led by Quardell Young (16 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) and Drew Bryson (11 points).

Final Thoughts
This seemed like a good tuneup for the Cardinals, who were the last CCIW team to start the season. They clearly needed it with the struggles they had for much of the game. Good free throw shooting from freshman Joe Kennell put it away. NCC is back at it tomorrow against Bluffton at 7:30.