Trinity bullies its way past Schreiner University men, women

Trinity University’s strategy was simple on Tuesday night: maul, front, hang and grab Schreiner University’s Kamden Ross on every offensive possession.

The strategic move worked for the No. 8-ranked Tigers, who came to Kerrville and dispatched the Mountaineers 87-70 in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference game. The loss puts the Mountaineers in some peril as they head toward the end of the season. Schreiner is now 12-10 overall but 7-6 in the SCAC. With three games remaining, the Mountaineers face teams they are 1-2 against.

Trinity’s big men just sat on Ross, one of the nation’s leading big men in the NCAA Division III, but he still scored 15 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

What doomed the Mountaineers was 20 turnovers and Trinity’s free-throw shooting. The Tigers converted 33 of 40 free throws and were 20 of 22 in the second half. That helped break open a tight game in the first half, where the Mountaineers led 39-38.

The play of Trinity’s backcourt made a significant difference defensively against the Mountaineers, who faced a hand in their face on every possession. Even with that pressure, Schreiner shot 42% from the field. Guard Dylan Mackey had a torrid start by scoring 12 points in the first 10 minutes. Mackey finished with a team-high 17 points.

Schreiner University’s women’s team pushed visiting Trinity on Tuesday night, but still couldn’t overcome the Tigers, 63-58.

Demauria Miles scored 18 points against the Tigers. Schreiner held an early first-quarter lead before being outscored 23-9 in the second quarter. The Mountaineers countered with a 17-7 third quarter to tie the game at 39-39. However, the Tigers got 10 points off the bench from Jamie Ruede. It was just enough to help the Tigers seal a tight win.

The Mountaineers are 7-15 overall and 6-7 in the SCAC.