Hodgson’s Double-Double Propels Trojans to Victory

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – Caleb Hodgson led a potent attack for the Trojans, leading TU in both points and rebounds, while recording his first double-double with 20 and 15 in a 77-59 victory over Washington Adventist (3-2) on Friday afternoon. 

The Central Michigan transfer started brightly with the first eight points of the matchup for either squad in the first three minutes of action. Hodgson splashed in a team-leading three triples on four shots from beyond the arc. 

The outstanding start for Hodgson helped TU take an early 17-3 lead, which grew to 16 in the opening half before a 17-7 run by the Shockers, during which the Trojans shot just 3-12 from the field, closed the gap to five at the break. 

Two quick buckets by the Trojans pushed the lead to nine until Washington Adventist got within two before the 16-minute mark. A 15-4 run gave TU a comfortable lead the rest of the way, with it growing to 21 at its peak.

The Trojans (4-2) did not trail the entire contest and used their size to collect 51 boards compared to just 33 for the Shockers.

Grant Niehaus was terrific off the bench, with 12 points and eight rebounds, shooting a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe. Niehaus' effort was key to a distinct 28-15 advantage in points off the bend for TU. 

The starting backcourt duo of Gavin Yoon and Jackson Lewis delivered an efficient performance, combining for 14 points, six assists, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while only turning the ball over once. 

Pete Combs made his debut and stuffed the stat sheet in 14 minutes on the floor, notching four points, four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Combs scored the final points for TU on a dunk with under a minute left. 

Taylor will take the hardwood again in the Homecoming Classic, hosted by Mount Vernon Nazarene on Saturday, November 11, with a contest against Harris-Stowe (1-4) set to tip off at 4:00 pm.