Trailblazers Win High-Energy Home Opener

GODFREY, Ill. — In front of a sold-out crowd at Riverbend Arena, head coach Kavon Lacey and the men's basketball team opened their season Tuesday night with a 95–86 win over Principia.

The offense was powered by a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Derrion Enlow led all scorers with 21 points and seven assists, followed by Dwight Lomax with 19 points and a steal. David Marshal Jr. added 12 points and five rebounds, Tim Halden posted 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Ian Brantley finished with 11 points and four boards.

Coach Lacey said the slow start was expected under the bright lights of opening night.

"We had a slow start to the game, but that's expected in front of a sold-out home crowd," Lacey said. "We had to get the early jitters out with a few turnovers and bad shots, but credit Principia for starting fast and playing physical."

Lacey praised his team's offensive efficiency and unselfish play.

"Ninety-five points is a good output, and having five guys in double figures shows we like to share the ball and play at a fast, controlled pace," he said.

He also highlighted Enlow's leadership on and off the floor.

"Derrion did a lot of good things tonight, leading us in scoring and assists," Lacey said. "He knows his teammates look to him for leadership. He's put in a lot of work over the summer and preseason, and he's earned their trust."

Despite the win, Lacey noted that defense remains the primary area for improvement.

"Our takeaways were very defensive-oriented," he said. "Principia is a great shooting team and very physical, which is why they were able to put up 86 points. We were in foul trouble most of the game, and that tells us we're not where we need to be defensively. We committed too many fouls and let them shoot over 30 free throws."

The team moves forward with an emphasis on tightening defensive execution as nonconference play continues.

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator