THE REPORTER
The University boys used a 24-point third quarter to break open a two-point halftime game on their way to a 61-52 win over Traders Point Christian Academy Tuesday night at The U Center.
The Blazers led 26-24 at halftime and held a 30-26 advantage in the third quarter before exploding for 20 points in the last five minutes of the quarter to take a 50-34 lead. Seth Hogg hit a pair of three pointers in the quarter while Andre Ozlowski added six. Rob Russell closed the quarter with a 35-foot three pointer at the buzzer.
University maintained a double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter, leading by 15 with two minutes left before the Knights closed fast with a TJ Robinson three pointer pulling the Knights with nine at the final buzzer.
Russell scored eight first quarter points and Sabien Cain had seven as University built a 15-7 lead and led 17-12 at the end of one period on a Steven Scott rebound bucket as time expired. The Blazers maintained an advantage throughout the second quarter, with Ozlowksi scoring seven points in the period.
Cain had a game-high 18 points for University and four rebounds and four steals. Russell had a season-high 15 points and three rebounds. Ozlowski totaled 13 points. Kahmi Bracey had team highs with five rebounds and four steals.
“I’m relieved to get out of here with a win over a well-coached Traders Point team,” said University coach Brandon Lafferman. “Rob Russell played a great game for us tonight and made several big plays.”
University improves to 14-1 on the season. The Class 2A No. 5 Trailblazers will be on the road Saturday, travelling to Heritage Christian for a matinee affair. Junior varsity action starts at 1 p.m.
UNIVERSITY 61, TRADERS POINT CHRISTIAN 52
University FG FT TP PF
Kahmi Bracey 1 0-0 2 1
Robert Russell 6 1-2 15 1
Sabien Cain 7 3-4 18 3
Andre Ozlowski 6 0-0 13 1
Seth Hogg 2 2-2 8 1
Bryce Gray 1 1-1 3 2
Steven Scott 1 0-0 2 0
Totals 24 7-9 61 9
Score by Quarters
University 17 9 24 11 – 61
Traders Point 12 12 10 18 – 52
University 3-pointers (6) Russell 2, Hogg 2, Cain, Ozlowski.
University rebounds (20) Bracey 5, Cain 4, Russell 3, Ozlowski 2, Hogg 2, Scott 2, Gray 2.