ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team traveled to nearby Arlington Heights to take on the Eagles of Robert Morris University in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action on Saturday afternoon. Coming off a difficult shooting night at Indiana Northwest on Wednesday night, TIU looked to get back on track against an RMU team that they lost to in narrow fashion back on November 26 at home, 86-80.

The Trojans jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the game, before RMU clicked their offense into action. While TIU was able to shoot the ball fairly well and protect the ball from turnovers, the Eagles shot from a high percentage from the floor to jump ahead after a close start to the game. RMU knocked down six three-point baskets in the opening half to TIU's four, but the Trojans were able to force the Eagles into early foul trouble and get to the free throw line. At the halftime break, the Eagles went into the locker room with a 45-37.

Out of the break, the Trojans began to turn the tables as they began to find rhythm in their shots. Outscoring the Eagles 39-31 and four to one from beyond the arc, TIU stormed back and re-took the lead with just over 90 second to go in regulation. RMU would not quit as they worked their way to the free throw line to stay in contention. With one second remaining, the Eagles fouled Thadeous Johnson to send Joshua Roberts to the line, where he would miss the second of two free throws after making the first. Tied at 76 at the end of regulation, the game went to overtime.

In their first overtime game of the season, the Trojans would struggle to retain their second half shooting and ball maneuvering abilities. Despite a late push, RMU would outscore TIU 15-9 in the extra period to hand the Trojans the 91-85 loss.

Ron Pehka led TIU with a team-high 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the loss. Diamond Presniakovas and Johnson both notched double-doubles, with Presniakovas notching 13 points and 13 boards, and 13 points and 15 rebounds from Johnson. Nate Schmidt knocked down four three-point shots for a 12-point game, as Jeremy Bonifacio scored 11 points off the bench.

TIU returns home to Van Dixhorn Arena on the Deerfield campus on Wednesday, January 22 against the Cardinal Stritch University Wolves, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30PM. The Trojans were swept in both regular season games a year ago.

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.