The Tri-Center boys basketball team controlled the game against Riverside for three quarters on Tuesday night but had to survive a fourth quarter rally by the Bulldogs to secure a win. The Trojans led by 10 at half and at the end of the third, but the Bulldogs put together a 13-2 run in the final session to momentarily grab the lead. Grady Jeppesen hit a step through lay-up to put Riverside up 61-60 with around 2 minutes left but Tri-Center struck back. Junior Michael Turner drove down the court and hit a tough angled banker and got fouled to put Tri-Center back in front for good. The Bulldogs tried to extend the game with fouls but Turner and Kent Elliott hit 6 straight free throws to keep the Bulldogs at bay.

Turner finished with 19 points and Elliott added 18 to help the Trojans improve to 5-3 on the season. Tri-Center Head Coach Chad Harder loved the way his team finished under pressure.

Coach Harder said they expect Turner to come up with big plays when they need him and was proud of his effort. Jaxon Johnson was also a spark for Tri-Center with 15 points on 5 made threes in the game. Free throws made a big difference at the end of the game despite struggles for the Trojans early in the game, going just 6-12 in the first half. Coach Harder said his guys have enough experience in those tough spots to lean on.

Coach Harder felt like the game was a growth boost for the team.

Riverside was led by 25 points from Aiden Bell. He was a big part of the fourth quarter rally with three 3’s in the period. Jeppesen finished with 16 points and Ayden Salias added 12. The Bulldogs fall to 5-6 on the season.