Trojans knock off No. 5 Tritons in OT, 104-99
FORT DODGE - The NIACC men's basketball team upset No. 5 Iowa Central 104-99 in overtime Wednesday in an ICCAC contest in Hodges Fieldhouse.
Iowa Central led 47-40 at the half and NIACC outscored the Tritons 48-41 to force overtime with the game tied at 88-88 after regulation. The Trojans outscored the Tritons 16-11 in the five-minute extra session to claim the five-point win.
It was the first win over a rated team by the Trojans since they knocked off No. 21 Iowa Western 73-68 on Jan. 11, 2025. It was the first win by the Trojans over a top five team since they knocked off No. 1 Kirkwood 95-81 on Feb. 9, 2019 in Mason City.
Freshman TJ Cusciotta led the Trojans with a career-high 30 points. Cusciotta was 9 of 17 from the field and 12 of 13 from the free-throw line.
It was the first time a NIACC player scored 30 points in a game since Omarion Roberts scored 36 against the Mount Mercy University Junior Varsity on Nov. 7, 2023.
Also for the Trojans, Bryson Robinson came off the bench to score 14 points. Jacob Martin also came off the bench to score 13 points.
NIACC's Lance Helming came off the bench to score 12 points. Kam'rom Solomon was also in double figures for the Trojans with 12 points.
Helming was 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Solomon, Martin and Robinson all drained two 3-point goals.
Solomon and Robinson led the Trojans with six rebounds apiece. Martin led the Trojans with nine assists.
NIACC (11-7 overall, 4-5 in the ICCAC) returns to action Saturday at home against Northeast CC. Game time in the NIACC gym is slated for 3 p.m.
