CHICAGO, Ill. --- The Trinity International University men's basketball team battled the Roosevelt Lakers on Saturday afternoon at the Goodman Center in downtown Chicago in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action. Entering the day riding a four-game losing streak, the Trojans looked to complete the season sweep of the Lakers, after defeating Roosevelt back on November 20 by a score of 91-74 at home.

TIU struggled initially out of the gate to start the game, but slowly climbed back into contention. Roosevelt took advantage of open sides of the Trojan defense to exploit the three-point shot, which they hit seven-of-16 shots from the arc. However, working in the paint with Diamond Presniakovas, TIU was able to draw fouls inside and quickly find themselves at the free throw line. While TIU struggled in the first half at the line, so did Roosevelt, as both teams shot under 50% from the charity stripe. Through contesting Laker shots and outrebounding their opponents on defense, TIU was able to keep the game within single-digits and enter the halftime break trailing by just one point, 37-36. 

The Trojans opened up the second half with a bang as Nate Schmidt drained a three-point shot, giving an early sign that TIU was on their way to success. While the Lakers would spend much of the half trying to close off open looks from distance, it would be John Hilitbran, Thadeous Johnson, and Presniakovas who fought their way inside, where the Trojans would draw contact on contested layups. On defense, TIU would fall into quick foul trouble, but would protect the ball with only ten total turnovers in the game, a vast improvement from their 21 at Judson on Wednesday night. Roosevelt's inability to shoot the long ball and close off the lane like they had in the first half, along with excellent ball movement helped the Trojans snap their four-game skid in win their first game since mid-January, 80-72.

Presniakovas posted a game-high 24 points, as well as nine rebounds in the win. Jeremy Bonifacio, who's stellar ball movement helped in TIU's second half shooting, notched his second double-double of the season with 13 points and ten assists. Schmidt's three baskets from downtown and two free throws earned him an 11-point performance.

The Trojans return home to Van Dixhorn Arena on Wednesday, February 12 for their next game against the St. Xavier University Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled 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.