GARY, Ind. --- The Trinity International University women's basketball team began a two-game road trip on Wednesday night as they visited the 25th-ranked Redhawks of Indiana University Northwest at the Savannah Center. Riding a two-game losing streak and looking to get back to their winning ways, the Trojans also looked to complete the season sweep of their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) opponent after winning their first matchup of the year at home in November.

TIU's offense got out to a strong start as they opened up a 15-3 run to open up the first nine minutes of play. With a game plan emphasizing defensive press throughout the game, the Trojans held IU-Northwest to under 30% from the field in the opening quarter en route to a 17-8 lead.

The Redhawks would find a sliver of momentum in the second as they pulled within four points midway through the period. With their pressing defense preventing open shots, TIU was able to slow their opponents down enough to prevent them from taking the lead. Despite a tough shooting performance in the second by the Trojans, TIU took a four-point lead into the halftime break, 24-20.

The third quarter of play presented a defensive battle between both teams, as both the Trojans and Redhawks combined for just 15 points in the period. Thanks to free throws by Louisa Schmidt and Alina Jahnke, as well as baskets by Carly Scheblo and Taylor Hibicke, TIU stretched their lead to as much as nine points, before the Redhawks closed the gap at the free throw line, sending the game into the final quarter with TIU leading 31-28.

TIU was able to force 15 turnovers on the night against a Redhawk team that does not give the ball up often. Immediately out the gate, Krystal Walker found three straight open layups before Hibicke drilled a pair of three-point shots with just under six minutes to go. In the highest scoring period of the game, TIU was able to hold off a Redhawk comeback in the closing minutes at the free throw line and seal their 11th win of the season, 51-44.

Hibicke led all Trojans with 18 points and seven rebounds in the win. Off the bench, Walker notched 11 points, while Scheblo recorded 10 points and six rebounds. Jahnke totaled four points, four rebounds, and three blocked shots. She is currently ranked 14th in NAIA Division II women's basketball in both total blocks and blocks per game.

The Trojans return to action on Saturday, January 18 as they visit the Robert Morris Eagles in nearby Arlington Heights. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00PM.

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.