High-scoring Triton lived up to its billing.

 

The seventh-seeded Trojans used an opening 18-4 run to fuel a 105-87 win against the Cardinals in second round action of the 2024 NJCAA MBB D1 Championship Tournament late Monday night at Hutchinson Sports Arena.

 

As the clock struck midnight, the 10th-seeded Cardinals found their season, which included a second straight Region XIV championship, end at 27-8 at the hands (and legs) of fast-paced and seventh-seeded Triton. The Trojans (32-2) advance to the quarterfinal to take on second-seeded South Plains at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

 

Turnovers were responsible for the Cardinals staggering at the start. They quickly turned it over four times in the opening couple of minutes and had six less than six minutes into the game. Triton's rapid 10-2 lead out of the gate grew to 18-4 before the Cardinals settled down.

 

Ahamad Bynum connected on a three-pointer for the Cardinals and made the most of time at the free throw line, hitting sixi straight at one point, as the Cardinals pulled within two, 20-18, with 8:51 left in the half. Bynum went on to finish with 27 points, including five three-pointers.

 

The Trojans went on a surge as its three-point prowess kicked in. The lead swelled to 17, 44-27, before the Cardinals fought back with a 10-1 run in the final 2:12 to be within eight, 45-37 at the half.

 

Titon hit stride in the second half and kept the advantage in double figures throughout.

 

Denim Johnson and Phil March aided Bynum in the scoring over the final 20 minutes, but the Cardinals could never keep pace with the wide-open Trojans. Johnson finished with 14 points and March 13.

 

Amar Augillard led Triton with 35 points, including four three-pointers and an 11-od-12 showing at the free throw line.

 

Triton hit 10 threes and were 37-of-45 from the free throw line. The Cardinals had nine trifectas and were 20-of-25 at the stripe.

 

The Cardinals were at the national tournament for an 11th time in school history and eighth time in 12 years. They are now 16-12 at the event.