Box Score DEERFIELD, Ill. - In a hard fought battle with the #2 team in the country, the TIU Women's Basketball team (2-4, 1-2 CCAC) came up short in a 80-56 loss to the St. Xavier Cougars (6-0, 3-0 CCAC) on Tuesday evening.

The Trojans came out of the gates quickly to open the first half, playing arguably their best 20 minutes of basketball this year. Strong defense and clutch long range shooting propelled the Trojans t0 32 points and found themselves tied with SXU at the break. The Trojan defense forced seven turnovers in the opening half, and converted on the opportunities at the other end of the floor.

Sophia Anaya led the way with 10 points in the first half, as the Trojans shot 47% from the field, including 45% form behind the arc. With the game tied at 32 the Trojans were looking for the upset bid of one of the top teams in the country.

In the early parts of the third quarter the Cougars began to find their stroke shooting the rock, going on a 7-0 run to open the second half. The Cougars would not let up from their, ending the third quarter with a 62-45 lead.

The Trojans had their opportunities to get right back into things in the final frame of the game, but a cold shooting final 10 minutes nullified the upset bid. The Trojans shot just 33% from the field, as SXu went on to take the victory 80-56.

The Trojans are back in action this weekend when they head north to take on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday at 1 pm.