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Men's Basketball Headlines

03.03 / Tony Benford Named to All-MIAA First Team

Tri-State University junior guard Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) has been named to the All-MIAA First Team for the second consecutive season. Benford was second in the MIAA in scoring with 17.9 points per game and 12th in the league with 5.6 rebounds per game.

Benford was fourth in the league from the free throw line at 86.0%, fifth in three point field goals made at 2.0 per game, and seventh in defensive rebounding with 4.36 per game. He also finished in the top 15 in steals with 1.43 per game and assists at 2.57 per game.

MIAA champion Hope College’s Marcus Vanderheide was named the league most valuable player. Caleb Veldhouse (Calvin College), Tyler Wolfe (Hope College), Drew Yancey (Albion College), and Desmond Young (Adrian College) join Vanderheide and Benford on the first team. Derek Griffin (Calvin College), Mat Kellogg (Kalamazoo College), John Mantel (Calvin College), Brandon McClary (Olivet College), Michael McClary (Olivet College), and Derek VanSolkkema (Hope College) were named to the All-MIAA Second Team.

02.27 / TSU Season Ends with MIAA Tournament Loss to Adrian

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Adrian College Bulldogs 68-75. Both teams struggled to get their offenses going in the first half. The defenses held strong and Adrian went into the half with a 26-22 advantage.

The second half was the complete opposite as both teams connected on over 50% of their shots from the field. The intensity picked up as the conference rivals began to feel a sense of urgency. TSU pulled to within three points with three minutes remaining in the game. The Bulldogs responded with four straight points and then closed out the Thunder for victory.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led all scorers with a career high 32 points. Benford shot 9-10 from the free-throw line and knocked in three from behind the arc. Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) scored in double-digits with 14 points and connected on all five of his attempts from the stripe. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) took down eight rebounds for the Thunder.

TSU finishes the season with a 9-16 overall record. Adrian is now 11-14 overall and will play Hope College in the second round of the MIAA tournament.

02.23 / #3 Ranked Hope Takes Victory over TSU

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Hope College Flying Dutchmen 57-74. The Dutchmen jumped out in front of the Thunder by scoring the games first seven points. The Thunder answered with a seven point run to tie the game. From that point on Hope began to gradually build a lead behind a strong defensive effort. At the half-time period the Dutchmen led 31-21. Hope continued to play outstanding defense in the second half as they extended their lead. Hope held the TSU offense to just 31.6% shooting from the field.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) and John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) led the Thunder with a double-double. Benford put in 14 points and brought down 10 rebounds. Moore scored 12 points, had 10 rebounds, and dished out for assists. Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) finished the game with 12 points including three three-pointers.

TSU completes the regular season with an overall record of 9-15 and a 6-8 MIAA record. Hope finishes the regular season as conference champs with a 21-3 overall record and a 13-1 conference record. The Thunder will host their first round game of the MIAA tournament on Wednesday night.

02.20 / Albion Defense Strong in Victory over TSU

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Albion College Britons 50-60. The first half was back and forth as neither team managed to build much of a lead. The Thunder trailed 29-30 at the half. The Thunder offense struggled to get it going in the second half. Albion took advantage and pulled out to a double-digit lead halfway through the second half. The Thunder shot just 36% from the field in the second half as Albion took the victory. With the victory, Albion clinches second place in the conference.

Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) led the Thunder effort with 14 points. Mislan went 4-6 from the field, knocked in three three-pointers, and had a perfect night from the free-throw line.

The TSU record is now 9-14 overall and 6-7 in the MIAA. Albion improves their record to 17-5 overall and 11-2 in the conference. The Thunder will wrap up their regular season this Saturday. TSU will play host to Hope College for a 3 p.m. tip-off.

02.16 / Olivet Hangs on to Defeat TSU

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Olivet College Comets 65-72. The first half was nip and tuck between the two teams. The Thunder were able to build a lead of six points early but the Comets came back and led at the half 31-29. In the second period it was more of the same. Both teams struggled to take control of the game. In the waning minutes, the Thunder missed on several opportunities as the Comets took advantage for the win. The difference in the game came as Olivet shot 48% from the field compared to just 40.3% for TSU.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) put in a game high 31 points including four three-pointers. Benford took down eight rebounds. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) had a double-double with 10 points and a Thunder high 10 rebounds.

The TSU record is now 9-13 overall and 6-6 in the MIAA. Olivet improves their record to 7-15 overall and 3-9 in the conference. The Thunder will travel to Albion on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

02.13 / TSU Struggles in Loss to Kalamazoo

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Kalamazoo College Hornets 48-71. The Thunder started the game on a nine point run. TSU held a 22-10 lead eight minutes into the game. The Hornets stung back and went into the half-time period with a three point advantage. The TSU offense struggled in the second half. The Thunder shot just 25 percent from the field in the second period as the Hornets pulled away for the victory.

Glen Alfieri (Troy, Mich./Athens) led the Thunder effort with 13 points. Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) put in 11 points on 4-7 shooting from the field. Bryan Dutton (Napoleon, Mich./Napoleon) scored 10 points including two buckets from long range.

The TSU record falls to 9-12 overall and 6-5 in the MIAA. Kalamazoo improves their record to 6-15 overall and 3-8 in the conference. TSU will be back on the court Saturday as they host Olivet College. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

02.09 / Solid Play Leads to Lopsided Victory over Alma

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team defeated the Alma College Scots 57-37. The TSU defense played a solid 40 minutes. The Thunder held the Scots to 20% shooting from the field and out-rebounded the Scots 37-24. TSU was efficient on offense with 53.7% shooting from the field and 4-10 shooting from behind the arc.

Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) led the Thunder offense with 15 points including 7-8 shooting from the field. Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) scored 14 points and had a game high 5 assists. Reid McNally (Williamston, Mich./Dansville) had three steals and knocked in his two three-point shots to help the Thunder cause.

The TSU record improves to 9-11 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. The Alma record is now 2-17 overall and 2-8 in the conference. The Thunder will host the Kalamazoo College Hornets on Wednesday. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.

02.07 / TSU Defeats Conference Rival Adrian on the Road

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team defeated the Adrian College Bulldogs 63-61. In a tightly contested ball game the Thunder pulled out the victory behind superb shooting. TSU shot 62.5% from the field and went 8-13 from behind the arc.

The Thunder had four scorers in double-digits. Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the way with 18 points including four three-pointers. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) and Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) both contributed 11 points to the TSU offense. Patrick dished out a Thunder high five assists. John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) went 4-6 from the field and totaled 10 points.

TSU moves ahead of Adrian in the conference with the victory. TSU improves their record to 5-4 in the MIAA and 8-11 overall. The Adrian record falls to 4-5 in the conference and 9-10 overall. TSU will be back in action on Saturday. The Thunder will travel to Alma College for a 3 p.m. start.

02.02 / Strong Second Half Propels Calvin over TSU

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Calvin College Knights 68-75. The first half was a defensive battle and the Thunder took advantage with 16 points off of turnovers. TSU went into the half-time period with a 32-29 lead. The Knights began to take control of the game in the second half behind some great shooting. Calvin built an eight point lead with 8:43 minutes left in the game. TSU bounced back and tied the game 64-64 with less than four minutes remaining in the game but never managed to regain the lead. The Knights 53.1% shooting from the field in the second half was too much for the Thunder to overcome.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led all scorers with 29 points including 10-22 shooting from the field. John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) put in 12 points and led the Thunder defense with five steals. Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) connected on five three-pointers and finished the game with a career high 15 points.

The TSU record is now 7-11 overall and 4-4 in the MIAA. Calvin improves their record to 11-7 overall and 6-2 in the conference. The Thunder will travel to Adrian College on Wednesday. Tip-off time is set for 7:30 p.m.

01.30 / TSU Men Fall to #6 Ranked Hope College

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Hope College Flying Dutchmen 60-93. The Dutchmen displayed an outstanding night of shooting to pull away from the Thunder. Hope shot 55% from the field and went 15-25 from behind the three-point line.

The Thunder effort included three players in double digits. Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) went 8-13 from the field and totaled 19 points. Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) and Matt Scudder (Kalamazoo, Mich./Hackett Catholic Central) both put in 11 points for the Thunder.

The TSU record is now 7-10 overall and 4-3 in the MIAA. Hope College improves to 15-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play. The Thunder will host Calvin College on Saturday. The game is set to start at 3 p.m.

01.26 / Benford Scores 1,000th Career Point in Loss to Albion

Junior Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) scored a game high 31 points and joined the 1,000 career point club but it was not enough to propel the Thunder over the Albion College Britons. TSU fell to Albion 64-73. The game was a nip and tuck battle. With just over five minutes remaining in the game it was deadlocked at 59-59. The Britons slowly pulled away in the remaining minutes to gain the victory. The difference came from the field as TSU missed on several opportunities that led to just 37% shooting.

Benford’s night included four three-pointers, 9-11 shooting from the free-throw line, seven rebounds, and three steals. John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) tallied nine points and brought down six rebounds in the Thunder effort.

TSU falls to 4-2 in the MIAA and 7-9 overall. Albion is now 4-2 in the conference and 10-5 overall. TSU, Albion, and Calvin are in a three way tie for second place. The Thunder will travel to conference leading Hope College on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. start.

01.23 / Men’s Basketball Escapes Olivet with Victory

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team picked up an MIAA road victory at Olivet College 58-54. TSU clinched the game from the free throw line as they went six-for-eight from the free throw line in the final 1:41. The Thunder held a big advantage from the line as they connected on 14-of-17 attempts and Olivet was held to three-of-nine shooting from the line. TSU outrebounded the Comets 45-36 and converted 16 offensive boards into 16 second chance points.

TSU was led in scoring by Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) with 27 points. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) was also in double figures with 13. Benford, Patrick, and Reid McNally (Williamston, Mich./Dansville) led the Thunder with six rebounds apiece.

Tri-State continues their winning ways and improve their season record to 7-8 overall and 4-1 in the MIAA. Olivet falls to 4-12 on the year and remain winless in the MIAA at 0-5. The Thunder will return to Hershey Hall on Saturday to take on the Britons of Albion College.

01.19 / Men’s Basketball Earns Third Straight Victory

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team improved their season record to 6-8 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA with a 64-51 victory at Kalamazoo College. The Thunder put the game away from the free throw line where they connected on 20 of 26 attempts and limited the Hornets to nine makes on 13 attempts.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) produced a game-high 22 points, including a nine for 10 performance from the free throw line. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) and Glen Alfieri (Troy, Mich./Athens) had double digit scoring efforts with 14 and 10 respectively. Patrick and John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) led the Thunder on the glass with six rebounds apiece.

The Thunder will return to MIAA action on Wednesday when they travel to Olivet College to take on the Comets. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

01.16 / Thunder Hold on Late to Defeat Alma

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team defeated the Alma College Scots 59-58. The Thunder took a commanding lead in the first half and led at the break 36-23 behind 45.7 percent shooting from the field.

The TSU offense went cold in the second half and allowed Alma to creep back into the ballgame.Trailing by three points with 30 seconds remaining in the game, Alma had possession of the ball. The Scots took the ball inside and scored from underneath the basket with just seconds remaining. Then Alma fouled and sent John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) to the free-throw line for a one and one opportunity with two seconds on the clock. Moore missed the front end and a last second full court shot by the Scots came up short as the Thunder held on for victory.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the Thunder with 16 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Reid McNally (Williamston, Mich./Dansville) put in 13 points including three three-pointers.

TSU improves to 5-8 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA. Alma falls to 0-12 overall and 0-3 in the conference. The Thunder are back in MIAA action on Saturday. TSU will travel to Kalamazoo for a 3 p.m. start time.

01.12 / TSU Men Take Down Adrian

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team defeated the Adrian College Bulldogs 72-62. TSU started slow out of the gate but picked it up to take their first lead of the game just before the 13 minute mark of the first half. From that point on the Thunder controlled the half. Adrian managed to regain the lead early in the second half but TSU quickly bounced back. The Thunder steadily built a double-digit lead to put away the Bulldogs.

Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) put up a double-double for the Thunder. Patrick had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to lead the TSU effort. Chris Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) scored 10 points and turned in 24 solid minutes. Reid McNally (Williamston, Mich./Dansville) went 4-7 from the field and scored 10 points on the afternoon.

The Thunder record improves to 4-8 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA. The Bulldogs are now 6-6 overall and 1-1 in the conference. TSU returns to MIAA action at home on Wednesday. TSU will host the Alma College Scots for a 7:30 tip-off.

01.09 / TSU Men Drop MIAA Opener to Calvin

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team opened the MIAA season with a close 48-56 loss to the Calvin College Knights. The Knights took an early lead with great shooting from the field. TSU went into the half-time period down 29-36. In the second half the Thunder defense held the Knights to just 14.8 percent shooting from the field. With just under seven minutes remaining in the game TSU closed to within two of Calvin. The Tri-State offense came up short as Calvin made good on timely shooting including 12-15 from the free-throw line in the second period.

The Thunder effort was led by Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township). Patrick had a double-double with 16 rebounds and 13 points. Reid McNally (Williamston, Mich./Dansville) had four steals for the Thunder defensive effort.

The TSU record is now 3-8 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA. Calvin College improves their record to 6-5 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Tri-State will host Adrian on Saturday afternoon. The tip-off time is 3 p.m.

12.30 / TSU Downed by Defiance in Championship at Purple & Gold Financial Tournament

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team suffered a 99-61 loss to Defiance College in the championship game of the Purple & Gold Financial Tournament. Defiance jumped ahead early never looked back as they held a 15 point lead 10 minutes into the first half and a 47-25 lead at the break.

TSU struggled from behind the arc as they only connected on two of 15 three-point attempts. Defiance forced the Thunder into 18 turnovers and converted them into 25 points.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) and Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) were named to the all-tournament team. Benford was the only TSU player in double figures in the championship game with 14 points. Patrick contributed with seven points.

Anthony Pettaway of Defiance College was named the tournament MVP with 14 points and three rebounds in the championship game. Defiance’s CJ Johnson and Anthony Jackson were also named to the all-tournament team.

TSU drops their season record to 3-7 overall. Defiance improves to 8-4 overall and wins the 33rd annual tournament for the 18th time.

Tri-State will open up MIAA play on January 9th at Calvin College. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

12.29 / Benford’s Three Propels Thunder to One Point Win

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team overcame a seven point halftime deficit to defeat Loras College 66-65 in the opening round of the Defiance Purple and Gold Financial Tournament.

TSU trailed by two with possession of the ball and eight seconds remaining in the game. John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) penetrated into the lane and hit an open Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) behind the arc. Benford’s shot was good to put the Thunder on top by one with 0.2 seconds remaining.

Loras held the advantage in shooting percentage at 44-37 but TSU capitalized on three point shooting. The Thunder connected on 11 of 29 attempts from behind the arc and limited Loras to three makes on 11 attempts.

Benford had a game-high 30 points and added six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) produced a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

TSU will return to action in the Purple and Gold Financial Tournament on Saturday when they take on host Defiance in the championship game. Defiance was a 69-49 winner over Thiel in their first round game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

12.19 / Thunder Fall to 13th Ranked Oshkosh

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the 13th-ranked Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans 72-81. The Titans started the game with a 13-2 run. The Thunder battled back with a run of their own as they tied the game 21-21. At the break, the Thunder trailed 35-39. The Titans steadily built upon their lead in the second half with outstanding shooting. Oshkosh shot 72.7% from the field in the second half and went 3-4 from behind the arc.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the way for the Thunder with 22 points including 8-8 from the free-throw line. Benford had four steals on the game and dished out three assists. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) shot 7-8 from the field and knocked in his two three-point shots for a total of 16 points. Patrick had a Thunder high six rebounds and four assits.

The Thunder record is now 2-6. The Titans improve to an 8-2 record. This concludes the winter trip to Florida. TSU will be back in action on Saturday, December 29th at the Defiance College Tournament. The Thunder are scheduled to play Loras College at 6 p.m.

12.17 / TSU Men Hang Tough in Defeat to 21st Ranked Elmhurst

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the 21st-ranked Elmhurst College Bluejays 65-75. The score was close throughout the game but TSU was unable to take a lead. With just two minutes remaining in the game the Thunder cut the lead to two points on a slam dunk by Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township). The Bluejays made good on their free-throw attempts down the stretch to close-out the Thunder.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led all scorers with 29 points including five three-pointers. Benford also had four assists, two blocked shots, and two steals. Andre Patrick went 6-6 from the free-throw line and totaled 14 points for the Thunder offense.

The TSU record moves to 2-5. Elmhurst improves their record to 5-1. The Thunder are back in action tomorrow night against Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The tip-off will be at 7 p.m.

12.08 / TSU Struggles from the Field in Davenport Win

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was defeated by the Davenport University Panthers 54-72. The score was close throughout the first half. The Thunder trailed by just three points at the break. The Panthers came out strong in the second half with great shooting and defense. Davenport shot over 65% from the field in the second half. TSU was held to just 36.5% from the field on the game.

Wes Wier (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) was the lone Thunder player in double-digits with 10 points. John Moore (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) scored eight points on 4-6 shooting for TSU.

TSU is now 2-4 overall. The Davenport Panthers improve to 5-4 overall. The TSU men’s basketball team will travel to Orlando, Florida over the weekend. The Thunder will play Elmhurst College on Tuesday, December 18th at 7 p.m.

12.05 / Slow First Half Costs TSU in Loss to North Park

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team fell 88-75 to North Park University. The Thunder could not overcome a 48-35 halftime deficit despite shooting 56% from the field in the second half.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the way for TSU with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Wes Weir (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) contributed with 14 points and five rebounds. Bryan Dutton (Napoleon, Mich./Napoleon) and Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) rounded out the double figure scorers with 10 points apiece.

TSU drops their season record to 2-3 while North Park improves to 4-2 on the year. The Thunder will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Davenport University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

12.01 / TSU Men’s Basketball Captures Win over Concordia

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team defeated the Concordia University Cardinals 63-51. The first half was a defensive battle. The Thunder held the Cardinals to just 28.6% shooting from the field and took a 26-20 lead into the half-time period. Tri-State never trailed in the second half. The Thunder continued to build on their lead. Tri-State took a 15 point lead with just over two minutes remaining to close out the Cardinals for victory.

Matt Scudder (Kalamazoo, Mich./Hackett Catholic Central) led the Thunder with a double-double, scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) was a mainstay on the boards for TSU with a game high 13 rebounds. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill/ Evanston Township) put in 11 points and contributed with three assists.

The Thunder record improves to 2-2. The Cardinals are now 3-6 on the season. The next home game for the TSU men’s basketball team is Saturday, January 12th. The Thunder will be on the road starting this Wednesday against North Park University. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

11.20 / TSU Men’s Basketball Wins Home Opener Over Manchester

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team was victorious over the Manchester College Spartans 81-65. The Thunder controlled the game and never trailed after the 14 minute mark of the first half. Tri-State shot 43.5% from the field and held Manchester to just 32.1%. The Thunder connected on nine three-pointers including five from Wes Weir (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central).

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the way for the Thunder with 30 points, including 10 for 11 from the free throw line. Weir ended his night with 17 points after going 5-12 from behind the arc.

Tri-State University improves to a record of 1-2. The Spartans of Manchester College are now 1-2. The Thunder will resume action on Saturday, December 1st. Tri-State will host Concordia University at 3 p.m.

11.17 / Men’s Basketball Drops Two Games at College Basketball Classic

The Tri-State University men’s basketball team opened the 2007-08 season with two losses at the College Basketball Classic hosted by Rotary Club of Albion. TSU fell to Illinois Wesleyan 89-82 in overtime on Friday. Rochester College overcame a 14 point halftime deficit on Saturday to earn a 58-55 win over the Thunder.

Illinois Wesleyan shot 60% from the field and 60% from behind the three-point line on their way to a 51-28 halftime lead. The Thunder got dominated on the boards by a 23-7 advantage in the first half.

TSU connected on nine of 17 three-point attempts in the second half to outscore Illinois Wesleyan 40-27 to force an overtime period. In the OT, TSU went 2-7 from the field and gave up eight points in the paint to drop the game by a score of 89-82.

Tony Benford (Muncie, Ind./Southside) led the Thunder with 29 points. Wes Weir (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central) added 18 points off the bench, hitting six of eight three-point attempts. Andre Patrick (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) chipped in with 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

The TSU defense held Rochester to 21 first half points on their way to a 35-21 halftime lead. The tale was reversed in the second half as Rochester outscored the Thunder 37-20 to take the win. Rochester forced TSU into 26.9% shooting from the field and an 0-11 performance from behind the three-point line.

Weir came off the bench for the Thunder with 16 points and six rebounds. Benford added nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Weir was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 17 points and 3.5 rebounds. He connected on 11 of 20 shots from the field and was nine-for-16 from behind the three-point line.

TSU will return to action on Tuesday at Hershey Hall in a doubleheader with the women against Manchester College. The women’s game will tip-off at 6 p.m. with the men scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

MIAA Kicks Off Basketball Season with Pre-Season Polls

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced their pre-season men’s and women’s basketball polls. On the men’s side, defending league champion Hope College took the top spot and captured five first-place votes. Calvin College, who knocked off top-seeded Hope in the conference tournament last season, was second and received three first place votes. Tri-State was voted third.

TSU returns first-team all-MIAA performer Tony Benford, along with eight letterwinners, from last year’s 16-10 team. The Thunder will look to improve upon last season’s third place finish in the MIAA.

For the women, defending MIAA tournament champion Hope College was voted first with six first-place votes. Calvin College was second with three first-place votes, followed by Albion College. Saint Mary’s College rounds out the top four spots.

The Thunder will build upon experience gained by the underclassmen last season. TSU returns 10 letterwinners that finished the 2006-07 season at 6-19 overall and seventh in the MIAA.

MIAA Men’s Basketball Pre-Season Poll