Muskies drop intense battle with seventh-ranked Trine

The Muskingum men's basketball team dropped an intense game against seventh-ranked Trine 57-52 in the Anne C. Steele Center.

The Basics
• Records: Muskingum (1-2), Trine (4-0)
• Location: Anne C. Steele Center
• Attendance: 250

Notables
• At halftime, members of Muskingum's ECAC National Champion Fortnite and Madden teams were awarded their championship rings. Senior Keston Taylor and senior Tre Boger were award rings for their championship in Fortnite, while junior Doug Crawford received his Madden championship ring. Former Director of Esports Christopher Bilski was also awarded rings for his efforts in leading Muskingum to their two Esports National Championships in 2020-21. Presenting the rings were Muskingum President Dr. Sue Hasseler, Interim Athletic Director Kari Winters, and Director of Esports Tristan Murphy.

The Difference
• The defensive intensity on both ends of the court impacted the Muskies and Thunder during the opening minutes of play. Muskingum found its groove first and built a four-point lead midway through the first half.
• However, Trine was able to close the slim margin, as both teams were tied at 23 with under six minutes left in the half.
• Trailing 30-28 in the final seconds of the first half, Muskingum senior guard Alex Masinelli drilled a jump shot with four seconds remaining to knot the score at 30 apiece, heading into the break.
• The second half again saw the solid defensive play that the first half featured.
• Trine built its biggest lead of the ball game (6) with 15 minutes remaining, but the Muskies quickly closed the gap and took a lead of their own with under 12 minutes remaining.
• However, Trine responded and recaptured a slim lead for much of the remaining frame.
• Muskingum got within two points with 3:13 remaining, but Trine was able to hang on down the stretch to escape New Concord with a 57-52 victory.

Inside the Numbers
• The Muskies were led by senior Carson Carter, who registered 10 points and two rebounds.
• Sophomore Bradley Russell tallied nine points and five rebounds, while junior Tanner Gensler notched six points and a game-high 12 rebounds for Muskingum.
• Senior Alex Masinelli and freshman Alex Coffey each chipped in six points for the Muskies.
• Trine was led by Nick Bowman with a game-high 22 points.
• Trine forced 26 Muskie turnovers and converted those to 27 points-off-turnovers, compared to 11 points-off-turnovers for Muskingum.
• Muskingum finished 22-of-54 (40.7%) from the field and 3-of-15 (20%) from deep.
• Trine shot 22-of-57 (38.6%) from the field and 2-of-12 (16.7%) behind the arc.
• The Muskies outrebounded Trine 38-31 and registered 14 second-chance points compared to nine for the Thunder.

Up Next
• The Muskies will retake the floor on Sunday, November 21, when they host Adrian at 2:00 p.m. in the Anne C. Steele Center.