Angola, Ind. – With the New Year underway, the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's basketball team was back in action on Saturday, January 4th. In an afternoon contest, the Hawks traveled to Indiana to take on the Trine University Thunder in a non-conference contest. This game would mark the Hawks final non-conference game of the 2024-2025 season. Although the Hawks (3-9) kept it a close game at halftime, only trailing by 2-points, the Thunder (10-1) capitalized offensively in the second half, leading them to a 75-57 victory over the Hawks.
In a game that saw two score ties and two lead changes, it would be the home team of the Trine Thunder who ended up on top with a huge second half. During the first half of action, the Thunder started out quick, taking a 6-0 lead before the Hawks made their first basket at the 18:14 mark. Following the Hawks opening basket, nearly four minutes would go by with only one basket, going in favor of the Thunder, before the Thunder broke the scoreless streak with a free throw made with 15:00 remaining on the scoreboard. As it seemed like the Thunder were pulling away in the first half, the Hawks would fight their way back to keep the score close. With 2:27 remaining in the half, the game would be tied for the first time at 31-31 following two made free throws by DeAndre Vortes. Vortes then gave the Hawks the lead for the first time on the day with a layup at 1:56. Two free throws at 1:41 by the Thunder ties the game once again, this time at 33-33. Right before halftime, the Thunder would make two free throws, sending the two teams into the locker rooms with the Thunder leading 35-33.
Coming back onto the court, Joshua Iguade would make the first basket of the half with a free throw to bring the Hawks within one. Unfortunately for the Hawks, this would be the closest they would get to the Thunder for the remainder of the game. With 19:50 still left in the game, the Thunder took control of the game offensively. Starting at 19:32, the home team went on a 10-0 run to take a 45-34 lead. As the Hawks were unable to get any momentum going, the Thunder continued to push ahead. With 3:17 remaining in the game, the Thunder held their largest lead of the game with a 20-point, 73-53 lead. At the final buzzer, the Thunder secured a 75-57 lead over the Hawks.
Garrison Carter was the Hawks leader for the day in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, with 24, 7, 3, and 5 respectively. Drew Moore led the Thunder with 21 points while picking up three rebounds and two assists.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will be back on the road Wednesday, January 8th, when they travel to Madison, Wis. to take on the Edgewood College Eagles in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
