Schoolcraft 80, Triceratops 76

CLEVELAND, Ohio —The home team came out firing, jumping to a 19–5 lead behind crisp execution and balanced scoring. However, the visiting Ocelots responded with a decisive run midway through the first half to grab control of the game, taking a 44–35 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Sophomore Tyson Garner paced the Triceratops with 16 points, connecting on an outstanding 16-of-18 from the free-throw line. Fellow sophomores Frank Evans IV and Calvin Little Jr. chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, while freshman "Favor" McFadden provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, eight boards (five offensive) and a key block.

The Triceratops rallied in the second half, trimming what was once a 20-point deficit to a single possession late in the game, but the Ocelots held on down the stretch to secure the win.

"We gave that one away, but I'm proud of the fight our guys showed," said Head Coach Aaron Nixon. "We can play better, and this will help us down the road."

Game Takeaways

• The Triceratops protected the basketball, committing only 10 turnovers while forcing 18 from the Ocelots.

• Schoolcraft controlled the boards with a 35–23 rebounding advantage, including an 11–7 edge on the offensive glass.

• The Triceratops were stellar from the free-throw line, shooting 86% (25-of-29). Garner led the way, converting 16 of 18 attempts.

• Calvin Little Jr. narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing just one rebound and two assists short.

Key Moment

Momentum shifted late in the first half when Schoolcraft drained a half-court buzzer-beater, extending its lead to nine at the break. That shot proved pivotal as the Ocelots carried the cushion into the second half.

Up Next

The Triceratops will return home on Sunday to face the Oakland Community College Owls. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Metro Gymnasium (3002 Community College Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115).