SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – A new era of Spring Arbor University men's basketball began with a victory Saturday night as the Cougars defeated the University of Michigan-Dearborn 81-66 inside the McDonald Athletic Center, giving head coach
John Pigatti his first win at the helm of the SAU program.
Spring Arbor used a dominant first-half performance to build a 23-point halftime advantage before holding off a second-half rally by the Wolverines.
The Cougars wasted little time taking control, scoring the game's first eight points and building a 20-4 advantage midway through the opening half. SAU shot 58.1 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes while limiting Michigan-Dearborn to just 22.9 percent shooting, carrying a 47-24 lead into the break.
Michigan-Dearborn battled back after halftime, using a barrage of 3-pointers to trim the deficit to eight, 56-48, with just over 12 minutes remaining. However, Spring Arbor weathered the rally and maintained its advantage down the stretch to secure the 15-point victory.
Brandon Trilli and
Connor Bush led the Cougars with 20 points apiece – a career-high for Trilli. Trilli added a game-high 15 rebounds, shooting 7-of-9 from the field, while Bush grabbed seven boards.
Branden King also recorded a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and two blocked shots.
Kam Radeker chipped in eight points, connecting on a pair of 3-pointers.
Spring Arbor shot 52.7 percent (29-of-55) from the floor and dominated the glass, outrebounding Michigan-Dearborn 56-28. The Cougars also held a 48-20 advantage in points in the paint and collected 21 second-chance points.
Nick Sobush paced Michigan-Dearborn with 23 points, while Terrance Hicks added 17.
Up next, Spring Arbor hosts the Crossroads League/WHAC Challenge on Oct. 30-31. The Cougars will play Cornerstone University on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. before taking on Indiana Tech the following day at 2 p.m.
