Triceratops Survive Cold Shooting Night, Edge Erie CC 72-67 Behind Clutch Free-Throw Shooting

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cuyahoga Community College Triceratops men's basketball team demonstrated championship resilience on Wednesday evening, overcoming a brutal shooting performance to defeat non-conference opponent Erie Community College Kats 72-67 at Metro Gymnasium. The victory improved the Triceratops to 7-4 overall (perfect conference record).

In a game that tested their mettle and execution, the Triceratops struggled mightily from the field, converting just 32 percent of their attempts. However, their aggressive offensive approach and composure at the charity stripe proved to be the difference-maker, as the Triceratops connected on 35 of 46 free-throw attempts (76 percent) to compensate for their field-goal woes.

GAME NOTES

Susan Provides Offensive Spark

Freshman guard Dylon Susan delivered a breakout performance when his team needed it most, scoring a career-high 15 points while draining three critical three-pointers. Susan's long-range shooting provided crucial spacing and momentum swings throughout the contest, particularly during a second half stretch when Erie threatened to seize control. His ability to knock down perimeter shots opened driving lanes for his teammates and prevented the Kats from collapsing their defense in the paint.

Garner's Aggressiveness Proves Decisive

Sophomore forward Tyson Garner continued his stellar campaign, leading all scorers with 19 points while attacking the basket relentlessly. Garner's physicality and fearless drives to the rim resulted in 16 free-throw attempts, keeping the Erie defense on its heels throughout the evening. His presence in the paint forced multiple Kats defenders into foul trouble, tilting the game's tempo in favor of the Triceratops. Garner's performance marked his fourth consecutive game, scoring in double figures and underscored his emergence as the team's most consistent offensive weapon.

McFadden's Free-Throw Mastery Seals Victory

Freshman big "Favor" McFadden joined Susan and Garner as the only Triceratops to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points. More importantly, McFadden was automatic from the free-throw line, converting 10 of his 10 attempts. His poise at the charity stripe during the proved pivotal, as he connected on critical free throws throughout the contest.

Dominant Free-Throw Performance

The Triceratops' ability to get to the line and convert opportunities proved to be the ultimate difference in a tightly contested conference battle. McFadden and Garner combined to shoot an impressive 23 of 26 (88.5 percent) from the stripe, accounting for more than half of the team's total scoring output. Their collective composure under pressure and fundamental execution at the line demonstrated the team's maturity and mental toughness in hostile moments.

Wilson Controls the Glass

While the offensive spotlight shone on the perimeter and free-throw line, sophomore forward Corey Wilson provided yeoman's work on the boards, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Wilson's relentless pursuit of second-chance opportunities gave the Triceratops multiple extra possessions and kept several critical possessions alive during their field-goal struggles. His physicality and effort in the paint set the tone defensively and helped offset Erie's size advantage.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Triceratops face a quick turnaround as they travel to Nelsonville, Ohio, for a Saturday morning conference showdown against the Hocking College Hawks. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. EST,

GAME SUMMARY Cuyahoga CC 72, Erie CC 67
Wednesday, January 8, 2026
Metro Gymnasium – Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance: 134