WARRIORS POWER PAST TRINITY CHRISTIAN BEHIND RECORD PERFORMANCES FROM FISHER, WALTERS

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Following an action-packed two halves of basketball, the Warriors emerged with an 80-70 win over Trinity Christian on Monday night in Garth Pleasant Arena. Warrior center James Fisher dominated the matchup, scoring a career-high 30 points on 14-15 shooting, while guard Gunner Walters dished out a program-record 13 assists. Fisher's 14-15 performance sets the Warriors' single-game record for field goal percentage (93.3%, min. 12 attempts). Forward Brett White also chipped in a double-double, scoring 19 while pulling down 12 rebounds. For Trinity Christian, forward Chris Cross led with 23 points and eight boards. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

The night started with a three-pointer by Dustin Farrow to get RCU the first lead of the game, and the Warriors saw signs of Fisher's performance early when the center blocked a shot off the glass and scored a layup in the post on the next possession. Fisher scored the Warriors' following six points, giving RCU a four-point lead heading into the first media timeout. A brief run by the Trolls saw the visitors take the lead, scoring on an and-one to go up 18-14. Fisher and Walters connected on one of their several pick and rolls to cut into the margin, and RCU gradually regained the pole position. 

Fisher flew for a transition dunk during the Warriors' run, sparking the Warriors' offense as RCU hit a three on the next possession. Fisher scored again to push the lead to 28-22 with under two minutes to go in the half, but some big shots by Trinity Christian's Cross helped the visitors stay within two possession. Fisher scored on another dunk on the Warriors' final offensive possession. 

SECOND HALF

RCU's second half began with a three by White to extend the lead to eight, but the Trolls were finding gritty points both on the offensive glass and in transition, staying within two possessions. Farrow and Walters made another great connection on an inbound play to keep the Warriors ahead, but Trinity Christian found more juice to cut the lead to two behind a three from forward Garrett Greene. Fisher got the Warrior offense again with another dunk, and RCU climbed back into a more comfortable position with a three by guard Brody Parker with 13 minutes to go. 

Both teams traded baskets at a frenetic pace, with Trinity Christian getting tough shots to fall over the Warrior defenders. With Fisher on the bench, the Warriors stayed ahead thanks to contributions by RCU's forwards, with White controlling the defensive glass while Farrow and Goul scored baskets inside. White threw down a baseline dunk to get the crowd going, adding to his total. The Trolls made another run at the Warriors' lead, cutting it to four with six minutes to go. 

RCU's mantra of attacking the basket continued to pay dividends, with White scoring on free throws to keep RCU's lead steady. Following some strong defensive possessions, the Warriors extended the lead with another easy dunk for Fisher off a dump-off pass by Farrow. After a few missed shots threatened the Warriors' lead once more, RCU sealed the game with clutch free throws by White and Parker. 

STAT OF THE GAME

Fisher's 14-15 performance is a Warrior single-game record for field goal percentage at 93.3% (min. 12 attempts), a record set by White last season when the forward scored 32 points on 11/12 shooting (91.7%). In the 2023-24 season, Fisher set RCU's season field goal percentage while tying the WHAC record at 70.3%. 

Walters' 13 assists are a program record, surpassing his previous program record-tying 12 assists against East-West University in his collegiate debut in 2022-23. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors return to conference action on the road on Saturday, facing the Northwestern Ohio Racers at 3 p.m.

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - StudioLens.Han