ANGOLA, Ind. - At the MTI Center, Connor Pelham recorded his third 20-point effort in five games, but it was not enough for the Adrian men's basketball team against the homestanding Trine University Thunder, who utilized a 54-point second half to ultimately clinch an 88-63 win.

Despite a 0-for-10 showing from behind the three-point arc in the first half, the hosts were locked in on the floor in the final 20 minutes, shooting nearly 72 percent overall and a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.

Adrian, on the other hand, saw its field goal percentage slowly dwindle between halves, but did manage to connect on a season second-best 72.2 percent from the foul line.

Things were tight from the start between the cross-state rivals, with the visitors opening an early 4-0 lead behind back-to-back jumpers from De'Ovion Price.

The Thunder soon pieced together a response to draw back with one possession, but the 'Dogs remained poised, and thanks to consecutive baskets from Pelham, found themselves up 15-8 just over five minutes in.

That, however, would be the Bulldogs' largest lead of the evening, as Trine stormed back from that point with a 14-6 run to move ahead 22-21 with just under five minutes on the clock. The black and gold never saw the lead again.

The Thunder were relentless in the paint, outscoring Adrian 58-30. The 'Dogs did, however, keep the battle on the boards close throughout the night, only corralling eight less than their opposition.

Pelham closed the contest with 23 points, shooting 9-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-3 from downtown. The fifth-year senior also chipped in a team-high seven rebounds.

Price finished as the only other Bulldog scorer in double-figures with 16, while Jalen Paul produced another solid effort with eight assists.

Adrian (3-15, 2-5 MIAA) is set to return to the hardwood on Saturday to host Calvin University at the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center.
 
 
 
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