Pack utterly dominates in the paint in decisive win.
PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Nov. 18, 2011) - It was the beginning of a new generation Friday night as the CSU-Pueblo men's basketball team gave a warm welcome to new head coach Ralph Turner. The Pack made Turner's debut a memorable one, winning 71-51 against Colorado College.
The Pack dominated in the paint, not only outrebounding the Tigers 51-27, but also outscoring the Tigers in the paint 46-8. A huge part of that dominating effort came from Arden Dennis (Jr., Aurora, Colo.), who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds and Ty Trahern (Sr., Kit Carson, Colo.) who finished with eight points to go along with eight boards.
With the Pack having a huge size advantage over the Tigers, the guests had to rely on the 3-point shot to stay in the game. Five of the nine field goals made by the Tigers in the first half were 3-pointers.
The Tigers would make a serious run in the second half, cutting the ThunderWolf lead to six points. But after a turnover and an alley-oop dunk by Andre Martin (Sr., San Diego, Calif.) from Dennis, the Pack would find its swagger again.
After a timeout, the Pack would finish its next three possessions with points to extend its lead to 16 points. The teams would later trade empty possessions, with the ThunderWolves eventually extending the lead to 21 points.
The defense for the Pack was stellar in the second half, holding the Tigers without a field goal for eight minutes until a jumper by Daniel Webb ended the drought.
Offensively, the Tigers saw production from Jeremiah Waters and Jake Tramutolo, who both finished with a team-high 12 points. The Tigers went 20-for-53 from the field for 37 percent, with half of their field goals coming on 3-pointers.
Pierre Prince (Sr., Northridge, Calif.) had a strong night, finishing with 14 points and four rebounds.
The Pack was able to limit their turnovers, committing only nine all game to go a long with 19 assists as a team.
The ThunderWolves will play Midwestern State Saturday at 7 p.m. in the finale of the Al Kaly Classic. Midwestern State knocked off New Mexico Highlands 79-64 in the Al Kaly opener Friday.
