LINCOLN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University women's basketball team opened up the new year with their first game of 2020 on Friday night as they visited the Lincoln Christian Lions in a non-conference match-up. Coming off a ten-point win over Grace Christian in their last game prior to the holiday break, TIU looked to extend their winning streak of four games to five.

The Trojans led from start to finish in the game, dominating virtually every aspect of play en route to an 84-36 rout of the Lions. TIU opened up a 7-0 run to begin the game before allowing the opponent to score their first basket. While both teams would grab 16 offensive rebounds in the game, it would the Trojans who controlled the rebounding battle on defense, grabbing 14 more defensive boards than the Lions.

After leading 23-11 after the first period, TIU effectively shut down the LCU offense allowing only eight second quarter points. Led by Alina Jahkne and Kassandra Ybarra on defense, TIU's offense was able to flourish as the Trojans shot 48% from the field on the night. TIU entered the halftime break leading 40-19.

In the second half, the Trojan defense continued it's stellar play, posting two additional single digit defensive effort as the Lions were held to just 17 points in the half. TIU outscored LCU in every key scoring category, including bench scoring (31-0), points in the paint (42-16), second chance points (16-2), and points off turnovers (26-0) off of 21 Lion turnovers.

Five Trojans scored in double-digit figures in the win, led by Taylor Hibicke's 15 points and three rebounds. Jahkne recorded her second double-double of the season with 12 points, three assists, and 11 boards. Krystal Walker notched 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the win, while both Carly Scheblo and Dana Percival totaled ten points each.

With the victory, TIU notches it's first double-digit win season since the 2012-2013 season, when the Trojans won 12 games. The fifth consecutive win also is the longest win streak for the program since the 2009-2010 season.

TIU returns home to Van Dixhorn Arena on Wednesday, January 8 as the Trojans host the 20th ranked Tigers of Olivet Nazarene. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30PM.

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.