KIRKSVILLE, Mo.—Following their victory over Missouri Southern State in their home opener, the Truman Men's Basketball team will take the court this weekend as they participate in the Washburn Thanksgiving Classic in Topeka, Kan. They will take on Newman University (Wichita, Kan.) on Friday at 4 p.m. and then Washburn, the hosts, at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Brodric Thomas made the game winning shot in the victory over the Missouri Southern State last week, and leads the team with 22.4 points per game. For his performance against the Lions he was named the GLVC player of the week. Cade McKnight grabbed seven rebounds in the win over the Lions, which tied his season high and vaulted him into the lead on the team in rebounds for game with 6.3.
During the second half of the win over MSSU, the Bulldogs shot a scorching 15-24 from the floor--62.5%; which is the highest shooting percentage in a half for Truman this season. The team made three of six from beyond the arc, including Thomas' game winner.
The Opponents:
The first opponent on the weekend is the Newman Jets, who come in with a record of 4-1 on the season. Senior guard Anthony Harvey leads the team with 17 points per game, and senior forward Marshawn Blackmon is second with 15 points per game and leads the team with 9.2 rebounds a game. Since dropping their season opener to Henderson State, they have won four straight games. The Bulldogs won the only prior meeting with the Jets, a 90-76 win back in 1983.
Saturday the Bulldogs face Washburn, the tournament hosts. They will enter the weekend at 3-1, with their only loss coming against GLVC member Rockhurst by a score of 57-55. Jalen Lewis leads the team with 15.3 points per game and in three pointers made with ten, while Jonny Clausing leads the team with 9.8 rebounds per game, nine blocked shots and is third with 11.3 points per game.
Up Next:
Truman will open their conference schedule on December 3rd as they return home to take on Quincy at Pershing Arena. After that their other matchup in December will be on the 20th against Northwest Missouri State.
