BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University women's basketball team played host to the Trinity Christian College Trolls on Wednesday night at Van Dixhorn Arena in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action. Being the only meeting of the season and the window for a CCAC Tournament berth still open, the Trojans looked to pick up an important win.

In the opening minutes, the Trolls controlled the shooting momentum, starting the game with back-to-back three-point buckets. Very quickly however, the TIU offense clicked into gear, with a 13-0 run in the final 4:35 of the first period, backed by a three by Carly Scheblo, and layups from Krystal Walker, Breleigh Gula and Taylor Hibicke.

The Trojans stretched their lead to double-digits on an early layup by Scheblo in the second quarter. Capitalizing off of six Troll turnovers in the second, TIU was able great large, open looks on a number of their shots. Working from both inside and outside the lane, the Trojans carried a 37-27 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, Alina Jahnke got TIU off to a fast start on their first offense possession on an assist from Hibicke. The Trojans would hold TCC to just 25% from the field, and 0-5 from beyond the arc in the third period as TIU expanded their lead to as much as 18. Jahnke would also notched two blocked shots in the third frame, ranking her ninth in NAIA Division II basketball in total blocks (48) and 11th in blocks per game (2.182).

The Trojans dominated the paint on offense and defense, outscoring their opponent 36-14 inside the lane, forcing the Trolls into longer shots from distance. TCC shot just 24% from the field while TIU hit 50% of their shots in the 71-51 victory.

Walker, who shot over 60% from the field particularly from mid-range, scored 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the win. Jahkne also notched 15 points and four boards, while Hibicke recorded 14 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Scheblo hit two of five shots from downtown in a 13 point, seven assist performance.

The Trojans return to the floor on Saturday, February 1 as they travel to Indiana to take on the Titans of IU-South Bend. 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.