CHICAGO, Ill. -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology rallied from a 12-point second half deficit to close within five points in the final minute, before Trinity University (Texas) held on for an 82-75 men's basketball victory at the University of Chicago Midway Classic.
Rose-Hulman relied on 10 three-pointers and three players in double figures to force a tightly contested opening night mcatchup. Matt Jones led four Trinity players in double figures with 22 points. Danny Rivara, Aaron Knopp and Stephen Molina had 12 points each for the Tigers.
The Rose-Hulman offense was led by 19 points from sophomore Ryuji Aoki, who finished 8-14 from the floor with a trio of three-pointers. Charlie Aimone added 17 points, and John Czarnecki reached double figures with 15 points.
Trinity built an eight-point halftime lead and increased the lead to double figures, before Rose-Hulman relied on a three-pointer by Aimone and two free throws by Czarnecki with 1:04 left to close within 80-75. The Tigers added two free throws and a key offensive rebound to secure the victory.
Other key Rose-Hulman contributors included Trey Sykes and Jacob Back with five points each; and Craig McGee with a team-high four steals.
Trinity improved to 1-1 on the season, while Rose-Hulman stands 0-1. The Fightin' Engineers return to action on Saturday afternoon, facing the University of Chicago at 3 p.m. Central Time.
