Asimakopoulos Shines as Trojans Secure First Conference Win

COLBY, Kan. - The Trojans men's basketball team delivered its most complete performance of the season Saturday (Dec. 6), knocking off one of the KJCCC's most explosive offenses in a 75–70 victory over Cloud County at the Colby Event Center. The Trojans, who entered the night seeking a breakthrough, secured their first conference win and improved to 3–9 (1–5 KJCCC).

Facing a Cloud County team averaging more than 90 points per game with four double-figure scorers, Colby matched the T-Birds stride for stride, relying on efficient perimeter shooting, strong bench production, and composed late-game execution. The Trojans shot 45.5 percent from the field, hit 11 three-pointers, and received a staggering 41 points from their reserves, outscoring Cloud's bench by 12 in a tight game decided by five.

D.J. Cason led the way with a game-high 20 points, going a perfect 11-for-11 at the free-throw line while adding three three-pointers and providing the calm late-game presence Colby needed. Just behind him, Giannis Asimakopoulos delivered the best performance of his collegiate career, returning to the rotation after recent absences and finishing with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including three threes. His timely scoring stretches and a key late block proved crucial in maintaining the Trojans' lead down the stretch.

Colby's bench was equally impressive, providing energy and production at every key moment. Elias Agba supplied eight points and two assists, sparking multiple offensive runs, while Kellan Simoneau added five points on perfect shooting. Daniel Cramer contributed five more, including a timely second-half three, and Rhett Kats buried a critical late triple that halted a Cloud County surge and swung momentum back in the Trojans' favor. Owen Reece added four efficient points early, while Nana Keutcha delivered another consistent two-way performance with four points, five rebounds, and two assists. 

While Cloud County struggled from beyond the arc at 3-for-25 (12 percent), the Trojans punished every defensive lapse by going 11-of-28 (39.3 percent) from deep. Defensively, Colby turned in one of its sharpest outings of the season, forcing 16 turnovers and converting them into 16 points while holding the T-Birds to 39.1 percent shooting. The Trojans finished with 12 assists as Zion Messam, Keutcha, and Agba orchestrated clean ball movement throughout the night. In the closing minutes, Colby's poise made the difference. Multiple defensive stops at the end of the game kept Cloud from mounting a final run, allowing the Trojans to close out a huge win.

Saturday's victory marks a meaningful milestone for a young Colby squad as the Trojans continue to find their rhythm in conference play. That momentum now carries into Saturday's (Dec. 13) matchup against No. 10 Coffeyville, a nationally ranked opponent coming off consecutive losses to ranked Barton and Cowley. With confidence rising and the roster beginning to click on both ends of the floor, the Trojans will look to build on their breakthrough performance and seize another opportunity to climb in the KJCCC standings.