ANGOLA, Ind. – The #3 Trine University Men's Basketball made their case for a return to the top spot in the national poll come Tuesday. With #1 Wisconsin-Platteville and #2 Emory falling earlier this week the Thunder found themselves in prime position to scoop up the #1 spot. A 77-54 victory over Hope gives Trine a nearly undeniable argument for it. A 15-2 run to start the second half blew the game open for the Thunder who now ride a nine game win streak at 16-1 (6-0 MIAA), Hope has now dropped two straight and are now 9-8 (4-2 MIAA).
 
Drew Moore and Nate Tucker again led the Thunder, scoring 17 and 16, respectively. Jayce Cusack connected on three triples while Aidan Smylie did a little of everything with seven points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
 
The Thunder never trailed, taking a 2-0 lead just 17 seconds into the contest. Leading 11-9 the Thunder connected on triples on three consecutive possessions. The first two came courtesy of Cusack by way of Smylie and Grant Pahl. Drew Moore hit the third to push the Thunder lead to 20-11. The Dutch would cut the lead to six but would get no closer, Moore added a jumper as he scored 12 of his 17 in the first half. Cusack drilled his third triple to push the lead to double digits. Hope closed the gap to 40-31 by the break.
 
The teams traded baskets to open the second half. From there, Trine would score the next 13. Six different Thunder scored over the run. Logan McKenzie started it off, then Smylie added a triple with help from Emmanuel Megnanglo, Tucker added a layup and Moore and Cam Smith converted and-on attempts. Trine's lead held steady around 20 points for the remainder of the second half. Megnanglo punctuated the win with a fantastic series. He blocked a Dutch three, Moore collected the rebound and sent it back, a behind the back dribble sent him by the Dutch defense. Megnanglo sent a pass to Cusack who lobbed it back for the two handed alley-oop flush.
 
Trine closes the first half of MIAA play next week at home against Calvin on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday they will play host to Adrian at 3:00 p.m.