JOLIET, Ill. --- On Saturday afternoon, the Trinity International University women's basketball team took to the floor to take on the 11th-ranked University of St. Francis Fighting Saints in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action. With the opportunity of clinching a berth in the CCAC Tournament, as well as making progress towards an NCCAA postseason appearance, the Trojans entered the game looking for a solid performance against one of the league's top teams.
Battling one of the best offenses in the nation, TIU kept a strong pace with the Saints with balanced scoring and good ball movement. While USF outshot the Trojans 3-0 from beyond the arc, Trinity found their success from inside and from mid-range. With five steals and 11 forced turnovers, the Trojans positioned themselves for more scoring opportunities and were able to draw contact and get to the free throw line, where they would sink six straight free throws in the first half. THe Trojans entered the halftime break trailing by just one point, 24-23.
TIU would struggle greatly in the second half as St. Francis found a spark and took off offensively. Only being able to hit 28% of their shots from the floor, the Trojans struggled to hold on to the ball as USF forced 11 turnovers and recorded nine steals. The Saints also dominated the rebounding department as they grabbed eight offensive rebounds in the second half compared to TIU's two. Only being able to score 15 points in the game and no three-point baskets, the Trojans dropped their second straight game by a final score of 63-37.
Alina Jahkne led the Trojans with ten points, three rebounds, and two blocked shots in the loss. Carly Scheblo notched eight points and three assists, while Dana Percival and Taylor Hibicke eached scored four.
Despite the loss however, due to Saturday afternoon losses by Indiana University-Northwest, Holy Cross, and Cardinal Stritch, the Trojans have secured a berth CCAC Tournament, which will begin on Tuesday, February 25. It will be the program's first CCAC Tournament appearance and postseason appearance since the 2012-13 season, when the Trojans lost to Indiana University-South Bend in the first round during a 12-18 season. TIU can also clinch an NCCAA postseason appearance with victories in their final two games.
The Trojans return to action on Wednesday, February 19 as they host the Saints of Holy Cross College at Van Dixhorn Arena on Senior Day. Opening tip 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.
