Trinity Knocks off Rhodes 62-42 Advancing to Men's Semis

The West's top seed, Trinity University, used a stifling defensive effort in limiting Rhodes College to just 11 first half points and a 62-42 win in the opening game of the 2011 SCAC Men's Basketball tournament.

With the game tied at 9-9, Trinity went on a 26-2 run to take a commanding 35-11 halftime lead. Rhodes, the No. 4 seed out of the East, went over 13 minutes without a basket as the Lynx shot just 16.7 percent (4-of-24) in the first half.

The Tigers used both a 3-2 zone and 2-3 zone defensively against Rhodes (7-18, 3-13 SCAC) in limiting the Lynx. Rhodes sophomore guard Andrew Galow shot just 2-for-10 and scored six points. Rhodes shot just over 43 percent in the second half to finish 17-of-54 (31.5 percent) for the game.

In the second half Trinity (16-10, 11-5 SCAC) led 53-21 with 9:41 before earning the 20 point win. The Tigers used a balance scoring effort as Kitzinger was the only Tiger to score in double-figures. Senior forward Luke Caldarera (eight points) was one of six Tigers to score four or more points. Zach Lambert also score eight points for Trinity.

With the win, Trinity advances to the SCAC semifinals on Saturday, February 26. The Tigers take on the winner of the DePauw (No. 2 East) and Austin College (No. 3 West) quarterfinal matchup. Trinity will make its fifth straight appearance in the SCAC semifinals and the program's eighth semifinal appearance since 2003.

After the game SCAC Sports Information Director caught up with both head coaches along with senior Luke Caldarera of Trinity.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Mike DeGeorge, click here.

To listen to senior Luke Caldarera of Trinity, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Pat Cunningham, click here.