ANGOLA, Ind. – The Capital University men's basketball team returned to action on Sunday, following a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday. In the return, the Comets played visitor to the Thunder of Trine University in Indiana. It was a rough day on the offensive end as CU only held the lead once at 4-2 early in the first half. At the end of the day, it was a tough loss to the Thunder, 76-60. 

Capital falls back to .500 at a 2-2 record.

Trine goes to 5-0.

The game ultimately came down to each team's ability to take advantage when the other made a mistake. The two squads were fairly even throughout, especially in terms of shooting with Capital going 26-of-56 (46.4%) from the field – splitting perfectly between the two halves at 13-28 in each – and Trine tallying 30 of their 57 shots (52.6%). There was a slight difference from deep as the Thunder knocked down nine threes with the Comets converted just four. On the boards, the teams also split evenly 30-to-30. Even turnovers were somewhat even with Capital committing 15 and Trine 10. The difference was made in the transition game with Trine scoring 24 points off of turnovers as compared to seven from Capital. The Thunder also found an advantage on the fast break, scoring 16 fast break points as compared to the Cap's four. This tip of the scale in transition allowed Trine to string points together to create a lead in the first half and build upon it in the second half. There is credit to be given to the Comets who continued to fight throughout despite falling far behind at one point, battling back to score fourteen points in the final 7:37 and bring the final score to 76-60.


THE NUMBERS
Justin Nixon and Alex Eyink paved the way on the scoreboard with 10 points apiece. Eyink supplemented his scoring with three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Nixon knocked down 50 percent of his shots from the field along with bringing down three boards.

Deon Miller got things done in his collegiate debut, scoring eight points in his first eight minutes of action. He went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field along with recording two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. 

Tre Hammond was another Comet to come into his first college game in this one, playing 27 minutes and scoring seven points with three rebounds. 

Joe Thompson followed up Hammond with six points along with three rebounds, one block, and one steal.

Ryan Suever set the tone on the boards with four, leading the team. He also had five points. Matching Suever's scoring output was Nate Gerber with five as well, along with one assist and one steal.

In total, three Comets touched the floor for their first time in college during the contest, as the aforementioned Miller and Hammond were joined by fellow freshman Brody Gowen.


UP NEXT
The Comets will look to bounce back when they return to the Cap Center on Tuesday, November 29, for a 7:00 p.m. tip with Case Western Reserve.