The Epsilon Zeta Chi Tornadoes basketball team advanced over the Chi Alpha Pi Cavaliers 39-32 Monday night. The Tornadoes now sit at 3-1 on the season, losing only to the Cobras (2) team.

The game started with the Cavs taking a quick 11-4 lead after senior Briley Hughes knocked down two free throws.  Junior Mark Osorio of Z then hit a three to close the gap to four.

Senior Cav Robert Troutman responded with a post-up on the other side, for a score of 13-7 as the Cavs called a timeout.

After the timeout, junior Will Kendall of the Cavs blocked a Tornado layup attempt before getting the ball back to Troutman, who was fouled on the other end. Troutman hit one of two free throws to give the Cavs a 14-8 lead with less than seven minutes remaining in the half, but the Cavs would be stuck at 14 until the break.

The Tornadoes, on the other hand, were able to score nine points, including a 3-pointer by senior Noah Dargy with three seconds left on the game clock. With a score of 17-14, Z took all the momentum into halftime.

The second half was kind to Z, who prevented the Cavs from scoring for over five minutes. During those five minutes, Z was able to record nine points coming from three different players, including five points from senior Phil Shiver.

Now down 26-14, senior Ryan Kliewer ended the scoring drought with a 3-point play coming off a layup and resulting foul shot. Troutman again posted up down low, closing the margin to seven and causing a Z timeout.

Right off the timeout, the Cavs made a defensive stop which led to a 3-point shot from sophomore Jonas Pagliarini to come within four at 26-22. The comeback would not be enough, however, as Shiver and Dargy ensured the Z victory with key buckets and free throws.

Despite some late game points from Troutman, Hughes and Kendall, the Cavs were unable to catch the Tornadoes, who went on to win 39-32.

The Cavs now fall to 1-1, with a win over Alpha (2).