ANGOLA, IND. – The night at the MTI Center started with a moment to honor the life of Fred Garland. It ended with the #3-ranked Trine Men's Basketball team honoring him in the only way that felt appropriate, winning. Prior to the game, Garland's #1 jersey was hung in the rafters next to the national title banner he helped put there. A crowd of over 3,000 people came to honor Fred's life and accomplishments and watch the Thunder take down Kalamazoo 76-63 in the MIAA opener.
 
The game started with Trine grabbing a quick 9-0 lead, before stretching it to 20-2 and scoring 14 of their first 15 from the paint. Trine would score 46 of their 76 points inside the paint. Aidan Smylie nailed one of his two triples to keep the hammer down early. Trine was able to keep to Hornets off the board thanks in part to Emmanuel Megnanglo's four first half blocks and six rebounds. Megnanglo would finish with a double-double scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He added 7 blocks as he solidified another dominant outing. Drew Moore scored 11 of his game high 22 in the first half as the Thunder built a 40-20 halftime advantage.
 
Trine maintained their 20 point advantage for the first half of the second frame. Moore sent home fast break dunk to open the second half and reignite the large Thunder student section. KZoo began chipping away at the Thunder lead with an 8-3 run with just over 8 minutes left on the clock. A two-handed slam for Megnanglo stymied the run, then Moore converted an and-one attempt. Nate Tucker hit a pair of free throws to cap off a 17 point performance.
 
The Thunder shot 31-60 from the floor for 51.7%, assisting on 13 and forced 18 Hornet turnovers. Trine continues MIAA play on Saturday at Olivet, that game is set for a 3:00 p.m. tipoff.