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NAIA Coverage
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Trojan Basketball
TREVECCA MEN’S BASKETBALL: 2001 SEASON IN REVIEW
The Trevecca men’s basketball team set a high standard during the 2000-2001 season. They won 21 games and earned only their second national tournament appearance in school history.
The Trojans started the season strongly, compiling an 11-5 record heading into conference play. Included in the pre-conference schedule was a big win over then 13th-ranked Southern Tech. The Trojans also faced two NCAA Division 1 teams in their two tough losses to Birmingham Southern University and Tennessee State University. The men were defeated 82-79 at Birmingham Southern after a last second three-point shot.
The Trojans entered TranSouth Conference play undefeated at home and remained that way until the last home game of the regular season. Moore Gymnasium proved to be one of the toughest home courts in the conference as only Lee University escaped with a late season victory. The Trojans also showed the ability to play tough ball on the road, losing only four conference games on the road with one of them being an overtime loss to Union, one being a last second loss at Freed-Hardeman, and another four-point loss at Martin Methodist. The Trojans finished the regular season at 20-10 overall and 7-5 in the conference, a record which was good for third.
Trevecca defeated Freed-Hardeman during second round action of the TranSouth Conference Tournament, but they lost a tough semifinal game at Union.
With a 21-11 record, the Trojans were rewarded with a national tournament invitation. The Trojans drew a first round contest against #1 seeded Transylvania (Ky.) While the Trojans played great basketball and even led 37-35 at halftime, the hot shooting Transylvania squad took control in the second half to eventually defeat the Trojans 82-68.
The Trojans were led all season by senior Michael Blivens who earned First Team All Transouth Honors and Third Team NAIA All-American Honors. Blivens finished the season averaging 22.7 ppg and earning second place in the conference. He also led the conference in free throw percentage at 87.6%. Trevecca was also bolstered by the play of two other seniors, Eric Addie and Jeremy Austin, who added solid play along with senior leadership all season long. Sophomore center Jared Austin provided a big boost for the Trojans inside, adding 12.1 ppg and 6.66 rebounds per game and earning 6th in the conference. As a team the Trojans also led the conference in free throw percentage at 77.7%.
The Trojans men’s basketball team enjoyed one of its finest seasons in 2000-2001 with 21 wins and a national tournament appearance. Next year should provide good things as well for the Trojans; head coach Sam Harris has assembled a good group of incoming players to go with a strong returning class.
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