LINCOLN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team took on the Lincoln College Lynx on Saturday afternoon in their first game of 2020. Coming off a 20-point loss to seventh-ranked Dakota Wesleyan at the Hoops City Classic in South Dakota over the holiday break, the Trojans looked to get back on track with a non-conference win.

TIU started slow out of the gates in the first five minutes of play before taking their first lead of the game at 11-10. Much of the Trojans offensive success was thanks to their three-point shooting, where TIU converted on 17 made shots from beyond the arc, led by eight by Thadeous Johnson. The Lynx were able to match the Trojans shot for shot from distance, also hitting 17 three-point baskets. Despite the constant barrage of shots from Lincoln, TIU was able to hold the halftime lead 44-39.

The Trojans were able to stretch their lead to 11 points on a Nate Schmidt three, but TIU would find trouble shooting the ball as well as they did in the first half, where they hit 45% of their shots from the floor.  Meanwhile, Lincoln continued to press from the three-point arc, as well as from inside with the Lynx's Trayvon Tyler hitting seven shots from inside the paint as part of his team-high 21 points.

A Laytwon Porter three-point shot put the Lynx back in front with just under ten minutes to play in regulation. With just over two minutes to go, a pair of Johnson free throws gave TIU a one-point lead, but another Lincoln three would put Lynx up 72-71, allowing them to run out the clock.

Johnson's 29 points marked a new career-high as he also posted two assists and ten rebounds for a double-double in the loss. Ron Pehka would record 15 points, seven assists, and one rebound, while both Johnathan Johansson and Schmidt would notch nine points each.

The Trojans return home on Wednesday, January 8 as they host the sixth-ranked Olivet Nazarene Tigers at Van Dixhorn Arena. Tip-off is schedule for 7:30PM.

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.