Down 10, Euless Trinity boys rally for victory over Grapevine

By Kevin Casas

Special to the Star-Telegram

GRAPEVINE -- Euless Trinity roared back from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter to improve its postseason chances in District 6-5A with a 47-43 win over Grapevine.

An 18-4 run in the final six minutes sealed it, and guard Mike Udume knocked down crucial late free throws.

"I'm not sure we played well enough to deserve to win," Trinity coach Mark Villines said. "But to credit our kids, they never quit. We've been talking about all week, this being a big game."

The win solidifies Trinity's spot in fourth place -- the final playoff spot -- through five district games. The Trojans (10-12 overall, 3-2 in district) will get Grapevine at home during the second half of district play.

With Grapevine (13-9, 2-3) shutting down Trinity's inside game and aggressively fronting big man Myles Turner, it was left to Udume to take control in the final moments.

The senior sank a down-the-middle lane jumper, then hit 6 of 8 free throws to finish the game with 16 points.

"Coach just kind of gave me the green light to get it done," Udume said. "With the defense they were playing on Myles, it just really wasn't an option to get him the ball."

Defenders collapsed two and three at a time on Turner. His foul trouble left a hole against Grapevine's motion offense and back-door cuts.

The Mustangs built a 39-29 lead on easy baskets and pressure defense.

"We were just flat throughout the game, not much energy," Villines said. "We've got to figure out how to get Myles better against a front like that and when they double- and triple-team him."

Bryce Batchelor and Alex Greisen put the most heat on Turner. Adam Sandy and Greisen led the Mustangs with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

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