MILWAUKEE, Wisc. --- After a dominating 36-point win at home on Monday night, the TIU men's basketball team returned to Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action on Wednesday as they took on the Cardinal Stritch Wolves at CSU Fieldhouse. With an 0-3 mark in league play, the Trojans were eager to claim their first conference win of the season.

The Trojans got out to a fast start offensively with a 12-3 to begin the game. TIU put pressure on the Wolves on both sides of the ball early, forcing 13 first half turnovers, and drilling five baskets from beyond the arc. Trinity dominated the rebounding battle with ten offensive boards in the first 20 minutes to extend possession and get several second chance scoring opportunities.

TIU's offensive prowess continued in the second half with five more three-point baskets and excellent ball security, only committing three turnovers in the period. Despite improved CSU shooting, the Trojans kept themselves out of foul trouble. With very few free throw opportunities for the Wolves to close the gap, the Trojans were able to seal their second straight, an first conference win of the season with comfort,  83-71.

Brandon McQueen led the game with 25 points, while Brandon Lawani scored 20 points. Diamond Presniakovas notched 11 points, as did Johnathan Johansson, with three baskets from distance. Leon Williams led TIU with seven rebounds.
 

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• Trinity picks up their sixth win all-time against Cardinal Stritch. The Wolves still lead the series 22-6 despite the Trojans winning the previous two meetings.

• Wednesday's win was the first time this season the Trojans had two players score 20 or more points in a game. TIU's last game with multiple 20+ point scoring players was last year's season finale at Calumet St. Joseph, where four players broke the 20 point mark.

• The Trojans recorded more offensive rebounds than defensive, grabbing 18 boards offensively and 15 on defense.

• Forcing 23 turnovers, the Trojans outscored the Wolves 33-7 off of turnovers.

• TIU scored 23 second chance points, while CSU was held to just seven points.

• Orri Hilmarsson led Cardinal Stritch with 17 points on five made three-point baskets. Stefan Popovic and Issac Hill each scored 13 points.

• Brandon Lawani moved into seventh all-time in program history in career blocks (65), surpassing Cameron Burkett (2003-2005).

UP NEXT

The Trojans (4-3) will return to action on Saturday afternoon, January 23 as they travel to Davenport to take on the Saint Ambrose Fighting Bees Lee Lohman Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00pm CT and can be watched LIVE on the Saint Ambrose Live Stream.

Follow the Trojans online and on social media

   Facebook - Trinity International Athletics

   Twitter - @TrinityMBB   @TIUTrojans

   Instagram - TIU Athletics

   Snapchat - @TIUtrojans

   YouTube - TIU Athletics

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.