KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Truman State men's basketball handled business on Wednesday night inside Pershing Arena, powering past Calvary University 84–46 behind a dominant defensive effort and a balanced scoring night from the Bulldogs. The win moves Truman to 2–1 on the season and gives the Bulldogs an early 1-0 home record in front of a sizable crowd in Pershing Arena. 

The Bulldogs seized control immediately, opening the game on a 15–1 run sparked by aggressive finishing at the rim. Julian Brown scored eight quick points in the paint, while Drew Kingery buried a three in transition to help Truman build a double-digit advantage before the first media timeout.

Truman's depth continued to apply pressure. Brennan Lovette and Jahki Parrinello added transition layups, and Marquis Carver-Smith delivered a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 25–7 midway through the half. The Bulldogs' defensive length forced Calvary into 17 first-half turnovers, fueling repeated fastbreak opportunities.

Late in the half, Brown knocked down a deep three and added two more free throws to push Truman ahead 49–12 at the break. The Bulldogs shot 50% in the opening period while holding the Warriors to just five made field goals.

Truman maintained its advantage throughout the second half, continuing to score efficiently at the rim and in transition. Parrinello, Anderson, and Byers each produced fastbreak buckets as the Bulldogs repeatedly turned defense into offense.

Brown added another three early in the period, and Carver-Smith, Byrd, and Duff each contributed to a strong bench performance that produced 31 points overall. Truman reached its largest lead of the night, 40 points, on Parrinello's jumper with 7:38 remaining.

Calvary found more rhythm late, with Nathan Ulrichs scoring 10 of his team-high 13 points in the second half, but the Bulldogs' advantage was never threatened. Truman closed the game with another burst in transition, highlighted by Anderson's jumper and Darin Donalds' late free throw that marked his first collegiate point to seal the 84–46 final.

 

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Team Statistics

Truman State

• FG: 33–70 (47.1%)

• 3PT: 4–24 (16.7%)

• FT: 14–18 (77.8%)

• Rebounds: 54 (15 offensive)

• Turnovers: 16

• Points in the Paint: 56

• Fastbreak Points: 30

• Bench Points: 31

Calvary

• FG: 19–58 (32.8%)

• 3PT: 1–16 (6.3%)

• FT: 7–14 (50.0%)

• Rebounds: 27

• Turnovers: 20

Game Leaders – Truman State

Points:

• Julian Brown – 21

• Jahki Parrinello – 16

• Troy Anderson – 11

• Marquis Carver-Smith – 10

Rebounds:

• Emmanuel Byrd – 9

• Justin Duff – 9

• Parrinello – 7

Assists:

• Brown – 5

• Carver-Smith – 3

• Parrinello – 3

Steals:

• Brown – 5

Blocks:

• Brown, Byrd, Carver-Smith (1 each)

Up Next:
The Bulldogs head back on the road for their first game of the year against Purdue Northwest. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 25. 

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