For 12 years, the Ballard Bruins have had the Rocks’ number, winning 19 straight games.

But on Jan.11 in front of a packed house in Steinhauser Gym, the basketball Rocks beat the Bruins 63-60, gaining their first win against Ballard since Jan. 9, 1996.

From the start, tough play and a fast pace seemed to define the game.

After one quarter of play, the score was tied at 13, though Ballard was straining to keep up. Trinity built a double-digit lead in the second quarter, only to see it cut to five at halftime, 29-24.

“We did a good job of handling their pressure and that was a big key,” Trinity coach Mike Szabo said.

Ballard picked it up in the third and took a 42-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

“When we got fatigued, we stuck to the fundamentals and that’s why we were able to hang with them,” Trinity sophomore Josh Sewell said.

Late in the second half, Ballard coach Chris Renner received two technical fouls and was ejected from the game, giving the Rocks four free throw attempts and the ensuing possession.

Senior Matt Chambless hit three of the four free throws, extending the Rocks’ lead.

“The crowd was rockin’ and it was easy to feed off their energy,” Chambless said.

Senior Alex Kupper led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds as Trinity built a lead and was able to preserve it throughout the remainder of the game. With less than two seconds left, Ballard gave one last effort, throwing the ball over midcourt, only to see it tipped around until time expired.

“This was a special win for the seniors. It’s something no one has done since we’ve been here,” Kupper said.

“The better team won tonight,” Renner added.

Emotions ran high for players and coaches after the game.

“This win was for (Trinity senior) Jack Sullivan. I want everyone to know this win isn’t just for the players,” Chambless said.