WINONA LAKE, Ind. --- The TIU men's basketball team wrapped up play at the Grace Tip-Off Classic on Saturday morning as they battled the Cardinals of Concordia University-Ann Arbor in non-conference play. Coming off a 13-point victory over Northwestern Ohio on Friday afternoon, the Trojans looked to reel off a second straight win to begin the new season.
Trinity's offense would begin the game at a slow pace, not scoring until the 15:29 mark in the first half. The Trojans wouldn't let the slow start carry on much longer as they quickly caught pace with CUAA and their quick moving offense. With their offense rolling in their fast break attacks, the Trojans were able to keep pace with the Cardinal and pull ahead heading into halftime, leading 40-37.
TIU would lead for the majority of the second half, being able to build their lead off of 23 trips to the free throw line, and eight made three-point baskets. Trinity's ball handling also contributed to their success with 17 offensive rebounds and ten total steals on defense. With Brandon McQueen leading the way offensively, the Trojans would pull away in the final three and a half minutes, securing an 85-77 win over Concordia, and a second straight win.
McQueen ended the day with an impressive 37 points on 50% shooting from the field, including four three-pointers, and 13 made free throws. Sterling Brown posted 18 points, six rebounds and three assists in the win, while Diamond Presniakovas notched 13 points, and four boards. Leon Williams led the way for Trinity off the glass with a team-high eight rebounds to go with 12 points, while Kyonte Thomas recorded five steals in the second game of his collegiate career.
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ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES
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TIU improves to 2-0 all-time against Concordia-Ann Arbor with today's win. The Trojans beat the Cardinals in their only other meeting on Nov. 10, 2018 at home by a score of 74-71.
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With the win, Trinity begins the season 2-0 for just the third time in the last 19 seasons. It is also the program's second consecutive season winning their first two games of the year.
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TIU never trailed by more than three points in Saturday's win. Trinity's largest deficit they have faced this season has been eight points, which they saw on Friday afternoon against Northwestern Ohio.
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Brandon McQueen's 37 point performance set a new single game school record for the most points scored in a neutral site game. The previous record was held by Darius Shavers, who scored 36 points against Marygrove (MI) on Dec. 8, 2007 in a game in Holland, MI.
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McQueen's 37 points give him 600 in his TIU career. The Cleveland, Ohio native scored 472 points when he played at Cincinnati Christian during his freshman and sophomore seasons (2017-19).
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Leon Williams earned his 500th career point with his 12-point game against CUAA. The native of Garland, Texas scored 370 points previously playing at Wilbur Wright College (2018-20).
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Trinity's defense forced the Cardinals into committing 19 turnovers in their win. Ten of CUAA's turnovers came off of TIU steals.
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The Trojan offense outscored Concordia 34-20 in fast break points.
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UP NEXT
The Trojans (2-0) will return home next Friday, November 5 as they take on the Red Lions of Lincoln Christian in their home opener as part of the Trojan Basketball Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm CT at Van Dixhorn Arena, 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.
