Tritons suffer first loss 65-62
It had to happen. Sooner or later. Because unbeaten seasons are so rare.
“It” happened to Mariner Saturday night as the Tritons lost for the first time in 21 games this season. Lehigh came into Frank Morris Memorial Gymnasium and handed the Tritons their first defeat 65-62.
The formidable Lightning took the lead for good on a pair of free throws with less than 34 seconds to go and the Tritons were guilty of a charging foul after that to seal their defeat.
“We battled back even though we were down to take the lead,” said Tritons coach James Harris.
Tyrell Smith and Brandon Kostyk led the Tritons in scoring with 17 and 12 points, respectively. Amari Haynes added nine points and a team-high six rebounds.
“We had a chance, had the lead 43-41 going into the fourth quarter,” said Harris. ” It was a packed house. Isaiah Darrett fouled out with six minutes to go. We were down nine points with four minutes to go, but regained the lead with less than a minute to play.”
Lehigh got the ball and scored late after the charging call to seal it. Even in defeat, the Tritons take away some positive things.
“We took the lead. We showed guts and moxie. It was championship caliber,” said Harris. “This game will make us better. We have to do a better job of protecting the paint. We got better tonight”
The Tritons (20-1) play at Sarasota Riverview on Tuesday in another late-season test of their mettle.