DEERFIELD, Ill. -- In the first game inside the new Van Dixhorn Arena to feature the Trinity International women's basketball program, the Trojans had a tough task; open the season against the nationally-ranked St. Ambrose Bees. Turnovers and a tough shooting night proved to be too much for TIU, who fell to the 20th-ranked Bees, 93-60 on Friday night.

Box Score

Senior Daja Johnson led all scorers with 17 points in a losing effort, shooting 7-of-13 from the field, and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Junior Asja Triplett collected 15 points on the night as well, going 6-for-12 from the field.

After a pair of Deanna Busse free throws gave the Bees an early 8-2 lead with 17:25 in the first half, the Trojans responded with six unanswered to tie the game. Johnson started the run with one of the Trojans seven fast-break scores in the game, followed by a pair of buckets from Triplett to even the score.

SAU's Morgan Meyers would knock down a three-pointer on their next possession, however, and the Bees would not give up the lead the rest of the night. Another trey from St. Ambrose at the 8:51 mark stretched their lead to double digits for the first time, at 25-15.

The Trojan defense struggled to contain the hot-shooting Bees, who connected on 52.5% of their shots in the first half (21-40), including five three-pointers. St. Ambrose built a 30-point halftime edge, 57-27.

Trinity played a much stronger second half, as SAU outscored TIU after the break by just three points. A three-pointer from Johnson cut the St. Ambrose lead to 64-38 with 13:57 to play, bringing the Trojans to within 26, but that would be as close as they would get.

Freshman Abbey Bernas put up a solid performance in her collegiate debut, earning a spot in the starting lineup and contributing eight points on 4-of-8 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists.

Johnson, along with Amari Parham, put pressure on the SAU guards all night, and each finished with a team-high four steals.

The Trojans are back in action on Saturday, when they host their second nationally-ranked opponent in as many nights. TIU will take on No. 24 Cornerstone (Mich.), in the second night of the LaQuinta Classic. Tipoff against the Golden Eagles is set for 6:00 p.m.