MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - Junior guard
Josh Markum set a new career high, with 15 points, including four three-pointers, but a couple of big runs from Cardinal Stritch led to a 85-64 decision in favor of the host and 19th-ranked Wolves on Wednesday night.
The Trojans would briefly hold a first-half lead, when
Nate Ball scored on a putback at the 16:16 mark, pushing TIU in front 6-5. Stritch's Garrett Borgrud answered with back-to-back scores, kickstarting a 9-1 run for CSU that suddenly had the Trojans doubled up, 14-7 with 13:20 to play in the first half.
The Wolves' lead would reach as high as 13 points in the first half, with a three-pointer with just over 90 seconds to play.
Josh Markum would respond with the second of his two first-half treys, but CSU would hold a 38-26 halftime advantage.
Nate Ball led the Trojans with 10 points in the first half, going 5-for-6 from the field while pulling down four rebounds. The senior tied Markum for the team lead with 15 points on the night.
Stritch opened the second half with a big 7-0 run over the first two minutes, stretching their lead to 45-26. Midway through the half, the Trojans closed the gap to 11 points, which is as close as they would come the rest of the way. Markum's three-pointer at the 8:46 mark cut the lead to 60-49, but CSU would answer with a pair of scores to move back ahead by 15 to stay in front the rest of the way.
"I love our group of guys. This is a great crew, and we've worked very hard to fight back to where we are at today," said head coach Boomer Roberts. "We got beat tonight by a very good team on their home floor, so we know we're not at the level we need to be. But I believe our best basketball is ahead of us, and I'm excited to see how God works through our men in this last month of the regular season."
The Trojans return home this weekend, for the Van Dixhorn Arena Celebration Night. TIU hosts Trinity Christian for a 7:40 p.m. tip, following a presentation honoring former TIU Athletic Director and basketball head coach, Henry Van Dixhorn.
