ADRIAN, Mich. - The Trine University men's basketball team held off a last second charge by Adrian College as they snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs with a 52-20 win. The Thunder improve to 13-8 on the season and 6-4 in the MIAA. The win also moves Trine into a three-way tie with Adrian and Calvin for second place in the conference.

Defense played a role just as most thought it would in the opening as both sides combined for just 11 points through first seven minutes of the game as Trine led it 7-4. Adrian answered back scoring nine unanswered points to regain the lead at 13-7 with eight minutes to go in the half. Junior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) hit a three and fellow junior Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering) nailed a jumper in the paint to pull Trine within one at 15-14.

After the two sides traded baskets, a jumper from the top of the key by senior Tim Pearcy (Vicksburg, Mich./Vicksburg) and another three by Jackson put the Thunder up 24-20. Adrian converted on four free throws in the final minute, but Jackson hit a jumper and another three, this time at the buzzer to give the Thunder a 29-24 going into the locker room.

Sophomore Chris Kent (Angola, Ind./Angola) hit the first shot of the second half to give Trine a five point lead. It wouldn't last long for the Thunder as the Bulldogs would battle back to pull within a point with Trine leading 35-34. After trading free throws, freshman Braden Knight (Bedford, Ind./Bedford North Lawrence) hit a layup as he was fouled to push the Thunder lead back to three.

Adrian again battled back as they scored four unanswered, including a put-back to tie the game at 48 all. The Thunder would answer right back as Knight hit a long three from the right side giving Trine the lead again. Adrian had several opportunities late as they missed three straight free throws and had three shots at the basket before they were able to pull within a point at 51-50.

Jackson would hit the front-end of a one-and-one to give the Thunder a two point lead. Adrian had several opportunities in the final nine seconds but were unable to find the bottom of the net as the Thunder held on for the win.

Jackson led all scorers with 17 points, nine of which came from long range. Jackson also led Trine with five rebounds and picked up two steals. Rogers added in nine points, four boards and two steals while Pearcy contributed with eight points. Knight also added in eight points and three assists. Kent led the Thunder offense with a game-high seven assists.

Trine held the Bulldogs scoreless from behind the arc for the first time the season as Adrian went 0-for-8, compared to the Thunder who hit 5-of-14 from long range. The Trine defense also held Adrian to a season-low 14 made field goals in the game, but too many Thunder fouls sent the Bulldogs to the line 32 times, connecting on 22. Trine made 37.5 percent (18-of-48) from the floor and 73 percent (11-for-15) from the charity stripe.

The win snaps an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs, including the previous three games in Adrian. The previous win for the Thunder against Adrian came on a buzzer-beater in a 63-61 win on February 7, 2008.

Trine will return home to host Albion on February 8 for a 7:30 p.m. game.