BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The TIU men's basketball team took the floor on Saturday afternoon as they welcomed the Lincoln College Lynx to Van Dixhorn Arena for their first home game of the season in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play. Trinity entered the game coming off a nine point loss at Governors State last Saturday, and looking to win their second straight game against Lincoln after the two teams met on December 30 in non-conference play.

Much like their previous meeting 18 days ago, the Trojans and Lynx traded baskets early, resulting in Trinity's most offensively effective first half of the season with 40 points. With a small bench, TIU focused their offense through Brandon Lawani, who put up a team-high 12 points in the first half and provided his teammates with a series of high-energy dunks. Lincoln responded with 15 first half points from Aundrae Williams, as the two teams went into the halftime break with the Trojans leading by three.

After a nearly even first half, Leon Williams took control of the TIU offense as Lawani faced foul trouble, grabbing four offensive rebounds and preserving possessions. The Lynx however were able to find their shot from beyond the arc as they sank four three-point baskets to take over momentum. Despite cutting into Lincoln's lead and tying the game at 70 a piece with just under six minutes to go, the Lynx were able to seal the game at the free throw line to hand Trinity the 86-81 loss.

Williams led the Trojans in the game with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Lawani, Brandon McQueen and Jameir Jefferson each scored 14 points, with Diamond Presniakovas scoring ten. Jonathan Johansson knocked down two threep-point buckets in the loss for six points.
 

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• With the win over TIU, Lincoln takes a 2-1 all-time series lead over the Trojans. The Trojans tied the series in their last meeting.

• TIU is now 6-5 in their last 11 home openers. Their last home opening win came against Silver Lake College (WI) on Oct. 30, 2018.

• Forcing 13 Lynx turnovers, the Trojans outscored Lincoln 20-11 off turnovers.

• Leon Williams' 20 points are the most he's scored as a Trojan since transferring in this season from Wilbur Wright College.

• TIU's 40 first half points are the most scored in the first half this season.

• Brandon McQueen's two steals give him a season total of 14, ranking him fifth in NCCAA Division I men's basketball in the category this.

• Brandon Lawani's block today moves him to tenth this in the NCCAA in total blocked shots.

The Trojans (2-3) will return to action on Monday, January 18 as they host the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm CT and can be watched LIVE on the Trojan Sports Network.

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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.