Trevecca Men’s Basketball Falls in GSC Quarterfinals

By Parker Henningsen

Staff Writer

For the first time since Trevecca joined the NCAA Division II, the men’s basketball team hosted a quarterfinal playoff game at home.

No. 4 Trevecca played No. 5 Delta State in the Gulf South Conference quarterfinals, where TNU fell 87-78 on Tuesday. After an outstanding season, the Trojans’ campaign comes to an end.

Trevecca played Delta State twice during the regular season, defeating them both times, 76-69 and 99-88. The Trojans, who joined the GSC this season, broke several records and led the league in assists, scoring and blocks.

Despite the tough loss, Jikari Johnson reflected on the atmosphere in the Trojan Fieldhouse.

“It was electric. Even from warmups and starting lineups, that was the most energy I felt from the crowd all season,” Johnson said.

Johnson and Jalen Page scored more than half of the team’s points, with Johnson posting 27 and Page adding 19.

“Me and Jikari just said, ‘Look, we gotta chip away at this. Don’t stress it and don’t get out of character.’ I mean, we were down 14 at the half, so you just have to play every play the best you can,” Page said.

Head coach Kevin Carroll reflected on his team and their success this season.

“One of the most connected groups I have ever been a part of. That is no easy feat these days, but I feel like every guy put the team above themselves. This was one of the most enjoyable years of coaching I’ve had,” Carroll said.

Carroll, who just surpassed two years of coaching at Trevecca, is looking forward to next season’s talent.

“Next year we will be a younger team, but that’s all right. We were old this year, but we have a lot of good talent in the locker room, and we look forward to recruiting as well,” Carroll said.

The Trojans will begin their second season in the GSC in the fall of 2025.