The Atlantic Trojans boys basketball team picked up a quality win on Thursday night over Nebraska Class C2 second ranked Elmwood-Murdock 63-56. The Trojans used intense defense to change the game in the third quarter. The Trojans trailed by two at half but outscored the Knights by 10 in the third quarter to build a lead they would hang on to down the stretch.

Atlantic switched to a trapping 1-3-1 zone defense in the third quarter and that sparked a big run for the Trojans.

That’s Atlantic Head Coach Alan Jenkins who really praised the hard work by his team on the defensive end of the floor to change the pace of the game and force turnovers from the Knights.

Austin Alexander led the team with 19 points on the night.  Alexander said it was a good test to play a team they were unfamiliar with.

Garrett Franken finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds on the night. Franken talked about the halftime adjustments that made the difference.

The Trojans were also strong from the free throw line making 17-22 including 12 makes in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Atlantic improves to 10-4 overall on the season and will be right back at it on Friday night at home against Red Oak.

Elmwood-Murdock was led by 16 points from Zach Rust as the Knights suffered only their second loss of the season.