The University boys took a step up-class Tuesday night, hosting the Class 4A West Lafayette Harrison Raiders. The 2A No. 9 Trailblazers played the visitors tight for one period before the Raiders pulled away for a 67-48 win.
Mitchell Martin led University with 13 points.Camden Brown had 12 and Larry Pierce 11.
The Blazers led 11-9 late in the first period before Harrison went on a 14-0 run to take control of the game.The Raiders led 29-16 at halftime.
University made a run early in the third quarter to pull within 31-26 behind seven points from Martin and a three pointer from Matt Jones.A Pierce old fashioned three point play kept University within six at 37-31, but Harrison stretched their lead back out to 48-37 after three quarters.
“It was great for us to take on a quality 4A team like Harrison this early in the season.We played well in stretches but turnovers and some bad defensive stretches cost us a chance to get closer than five or six points” said University coach Brandon Lafferman.“I really liked how we responded in the third quarter.Mitchell Martin had his best game of the season.Harrison is a good team and our lack of experience and youth was on display tonight.”
University is now 2-2 on the season.The Raiders, a 19-7 Sectional runner-up last year, were playing their season opener.
The Trailblazers are scheduled to open PAAC North play Saturday when they host Liberty Christian at The U Center as part of a girls boys varsity doubleheader.
A boxscore from the game was not available at press time.
