BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team opened up a two-game home stand on Wednesday night as they welcomed the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch to Van Dixhorn Arena in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play. Following a tough six-point overtime loss at Robert Morris last weekend, the Trojans looked to get back on track with a needed home victory.

The Trojan offense got out to a quick start after an opening three-point bucket from Ron Pehka, and a dunk from Thadeous Johnson. A Nate Schmidt basket from downtown would stretch the lead to eight points eight minutes in as TIU's defense continuously pressed the Wolves into taking quick, inaccurate shots. Finding the bottom of the net on half of their shots in the first half, TIU would push their lead to as much as 17 on the night, before heading into the halftime break up by eight, 38-30.

Working in the paint, the Trojans worked to establish an inside game in the second half with Diamond Presniakovas and Johnson. While CSU struggled to find their shot in the first 20 minutes of the play, the Wolves flipped the switch in the second half, hitting 41% from the floor. Meanwhile, the Trojans struggled to find the basket on just 32% shooting. However, by protecting the ball with only three turnovers and five steals on defense, TIU was able to force their way to the free throw line to ice the game, clinching the 70-59 victory. The win snaps the Trojan's six game skid, and is their first of the 2020 calendar year.

Schmidt's long range game helped him lead TIU in scoring with a game-high 16 points off of four baskets from downtown. Presniakovas recorded 14 points and nine rebounds in the win, as Pehka notched 12 points and five assists. Off the bench, Trevor Ross scored ten points.

The Trojans return home on Saturday, January 25 as they host the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00PM.

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.