BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team took on the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave on Saturday afternoon at Van Dixhorn Arena in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play. Coming off a 23-point loss at Holy Cross earlier in the week, TIU looked to get back on the right track with a win.

TIU opened up the game with three consecutive baskets from downtown from Micah James and Nate Schmidt while CCSJ tried to establish an inside game. Quickly after, the Trojans inside game came alive with Trevor Ross, Thadeous Johnson, and Diamond Presniakovas fighting in the paint for open shots.

Ron Pehka and Brandon McQueen also opened up their long range game with a set of three-point baskets to extend their lead to 18 points. Shooting 47% from the field, TIU would take a 46-32 lead into the halftime break.

The Trojans continued their strong offensive output out of the break. Pushing relentlessly from all sides, TIU pushed the pace and extended their lead to 21 points after a Presniakovas three-point shot with 9:26 to go in regulation. From there the Crimson Wave offense suddenly sparked and presented a challenge to the Trojans. 

TIU struggled over the next few minutes to finish baskets and control the ball, allowing CCSJ to climb back into the game. After hitting six three-point shots in the first half, the Crimson Wave exploded for 13 shots from downtown, trimming the TIU lead to just two points with 2:22 to go.

Johnson responded for the Trojans on their next possesion with a crucial three pointer, as TIU was able to draw foul contact from CCSJ to send their shooters to the free throw line. Pehka and McQueen hit six total free throws in the final minute of play, enough to hold of the Crimson Wave for the win, 100-93. 

Four Trojans starters ended the game in double-digit scoring figures, led by Schmidt's 19 points. McQueen notched 18 points, 14 for Pehka, and 12 for Johnson. Off the bench, Presniakovas scored 16 points, while Ross recored ten. Johnson led TIU with nine rebounds and also dished out seven assists.

This was the first game TIU scored at least 100 points this season, as well as their largest offensive output of the year.. The last game the Trojans scored at least 100 was December 18, 2018 in a 103-94 win over Lincoln Christian at home.

The Trojans return to the floor on Saturday, December 21 as they visit the #25 Saint Xavier Cougars in Chicago. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness and lifelong learning.