FREELAND, Mich. -- Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) announced Trine University men’s basketball team the 2021 regular-season champion boasting an undefeated conference record (5-0).

Cancellations caused by COVID-19 required the MIAA to develop a formula that ensures fairness in determining regular-season champions across all sports.

This formula that takes into account the win-loss record of each team and the win-loss record of their opponents (creating a strength of schedule) was adopted.

The presidents of the MIAA felt it was important to recognize our winter sports champions along with our fall and spring sports. Therefore, utilizing this method the MIAA will recognize Trine University as the men’s basketball champion for 2021.

With head coach Brooks Miller at the helm of the squad, the Thunder earned its second MIAA regular-season championship title since joining the league in 2004-05.

Junior guard Nick Bowman led Trine in conference play with 22.4 points per game and earned the honor of 2021 MIAA Most Valuable Player after the tournament.  Freshman Emmanuel Mengnanglo stood out defensively and went on to secure the title of MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.

Trine was the top seed in the 2021 MIAA Men's Basketball Tournament and clinched the win on March 6.  Three players earned All-MIAA accolades following the tournament including Bowman (First Team), Brent Cox (First Team), and Bryce Williams (Second Team).