ADRIAN, Mich. - At the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center, the Adrian men's basketball team's strong first half was not enough to hold back the visiting Trine University Thunder. After going into the locker room with an eight-point lead after 20 minutes, the visitors stormed ahead en route to an 82-65 result.

Seniors Connor Pelham and P'hariz Watkins paced the Bulldogs (5-20, 4-10 MIAA) in scoring with 18 and 12 points, respectively. De'Ovion Price added 10 before falling into foul trouble down the stretch.

Despite a slow start from both sides, the visitors eventually settled in and opened up an 8-4 advantage. The 'Dogs would counter to knot the game at 10-10, and from that point, the two cross-state rivals traded buckets.

With the score tied at 29 all, a three-pointer from Pelham ignited an 11-2 Adrian run, skyrocketing the black and gold ahead by as many as nine points before coming to rest at a 42-34 scoreline at the break.

Out of the intermission, the Bulldogs quickly pushed their lead up to double-digits at 46-36, but then the momentum switched. Behind a 14-0 stretch, the Thunder muscled ahead 50-46. Another response by Adrian, sparked by some strong, physical play in the paint, put them right back in contention. Back-to-back baskets by Price and Nolan Ansara drew the game level, again at 55-55. However, a second 14-0 splurge by Trine immediately after ultimately iced it.

The competition down low was heated all afternoon, with the Thunder holding a slim 40-36 advantage. The 'Dogs got their noses ahead off the bench, outscoring their opposition's reserves 36-34.

Along with their solid scoring efforts, Pelham and Price also corralled seven and five boards, respectively. Another senior, Jalen Paul, led Adrian with six assists.

Prior to Saturday's action, Pelham, Paul, Watkins, Ansara, Giovanni DiBari, Delano Smith, Ben Pacer and Dariyus Wooten were all recognized and honor for their outstanding careers and contributions to the Adrian men's basketball program.

With this weekend marking the end of the MIAA regular-season, the Bulldogs now await an opponent, date and location for their 2022 postseason opener.