Trojans Win 69-43 to Open Regular Season
November 03, 2009
The Taylor men's basketball team opened its regular season Tuesday with a 69-43 win over Miami University Hamilton. Senior Justin Goeglein led the Trojans with a game-high 15 points and 7 rebounds.
The Trojans, who started three freshmen in the game, outscored the Harriers 34-14 in the paint. Sophomore center Jake Burkholder finished the night 6-for-8 with 14 points in 19 minutes of action.
Taylor (1-0) recorded its most assists in a game since last year's season opener with 23 against the Harriers. Kyle Hanaway and Casey Coons each dished out eight assists for game-high honors.
A productive Taylor bench scored nearly half the team's total with 33 points.
After a cold start from the three-point line in the first half, Taylor's guards warmed up and knocked down five of eight from behind the arc in the second half. Junior Drew Tower made three of five from long range.
By halftime Taylor had built a 29-18 lead paced by Goeglein's ten points. Ten turnovers plagued the Trojans in the opening frame, but the defense held Miami Hamilton to just 8 of 24 from the field. Taylor committed just two turnovers in the second half.
Miami Hamilton (0-1) opened the second half on an eight to three spurt and trimmed the Taylor lead to 32-26. The Trojans answered with an 11-0 run and never looked back. Their largest lead of the game came as the final buzzer sounded.
Brook Johnson led the Harriers with 10 points on five of seven from the field.
Taylor will travel to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse for a meeting with Butler University this Saturday at 2 p.m. for its final exhibition game. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.