BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team took on the East-West University Phantoms on Monday night in non-conference play at Van Dixhorn Arena. After a difficult loss last Saturday at Indiana University-South Bend, the Trojans looked to pick up a much needed win in a break from Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action.

After a narrow start against a Phantom team known for their speed and ability to force turnovers, TIU blew the doors open from distance with back-to-back three point baskets by Nate Schmidt and Thadeous Johnson to open up a 12-point lead. The Trojans would drain nine buckets from beyond the arc in the first half alone, as a basket from downtown from Ron Pehka and layup by Diamond Presniakovas would stretch the home lead to 21 points. Shooting 54% from the field and holding their opponents to just 12 field goals in the opening frame, TIU entered the halftime break with a 59-35 lead.

The Phantoms out of the halftime break flipped the script as they clawed their way back into the game. Forcing 14 TIU turnovers in the half, EWU would end the games scoring 22 points off of takeaways and put great pressure on the Trojan offense to respond. 

While the Trojans succeeded in the first half of hitting long range shots and finishing baskets, the Phantoms did in the second half. In a span of seven minutes, TIU saw their 22 point halftime lead reduced to single-digits as the Phantoms drew fouls frequently to earn a trip to the free throw line.

Even after EWU's Deshawn Wilson three-point basket cut the TIU lead to just three, the Trojans battled from inside the paint and from beyond the arc, but struggled to get the ball through the nets. Kaleb Thomas' three-point shot with 2:18 to go gave the Phantoms their first lead of the game. Despite a fast start and good rebounding night, TIU was unable to recapture the lead as they dropped the game to EWU by a score of 97-94.

Four Trojan started scoring in double-digit figures, led by 25 from Pehka, along with six assists. Schmidt recorded 22 points in the loss, while Presniakovas notched a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, his second of the season. Johnson also recorded his sixth double-double of the year with 15 points and ten boards. 

TIU returns to action on Wednesday, February 5 as they visit the Eagles of Judson University in Elgin. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

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.