BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The TIU women's basketball team returned to conference play on Saturday afternoon as they hosted the Lincoln College Lynx at Van Dixhorn Arena. Coming off a tough loss to 20th-ranked Saint Xavier at home Wednesday night, the Trojans looked to snap their three game losing streak with a much needed conference win.

The Trojans jumped out to an early 9-3 lead thanks to good rebounding and ball movement, but quickly found themselves in an early first quarter shootout with the Lynx. Lincoln responded after their slow start by using their speed and quick passing to force Trinity into 15 first half turnovers. Despite the struggle maintaining possession, TIU was able to keep the game within six points during the first 20 minutes, and to only trail by four at halftime. 

Both offenses traded shots throughout the third period to keep the action close heading into the fourth. In the final frame, the Lynx focused their attack through Autumn Goram, who finished the day with a game-high 32 points. TIU was able to battle down the stretch, but the Lynx were able to ice the game away with 12 fourth period free throws to hand Trinity the 86-77 loss.

Taylor Hibicke led the Trojans with 27 points, while Alina Jahnke recorded a 15 point, 17 rebound double-double in the loss. Carly Scheblo notched 11 points, with Breleigh Gula scoring 10 points off the bench.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• This was the first meeting all-time between TIU and Lincoln. With the win by Lincoln, the Lynx take a 1-0 lead in the series.

• Today's loss was Trinity's fourth straight, their longest skid since losing eight straight to end the 2018-19 season.

• The Lynx outscored the Trojans 22-8 off turnovers, forcing TIU to cough up the ball 25 times.

• Alina Jahnke's double-double today was her third of the season.

• Jahnke's 17 rebounds against Lincoln tied the TIU single game home rebound record.

• Taylor Hibicke set a new career-high in scoring with 27 points in the loss. Her previous high water mark was 26 points against Saint Xavier on Nov. 6, 2019.

• Breleigh Gula tied her season-high mark in scoring with ten points. She previously scored ten points in her last game against Saint Xavier three days ago.
   

UP NEXT

The Trojans (2-6) have a quick turnaround and will return to action on Monday, January 18 as they host the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist University in non-conference play at Van Dixhorn Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00pm CT and can be watched LIVE on the Trojan Sports Network.

Visit TIUtrojans.com to stay up to date with the latest TIU women's basketball news and schedule updates.

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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.