KINGSPORT, Tenn. --- The TIU men's basketball team took to the floor on Friday afternoon as they faced off against the undefeated Eagles of Central Methodist University in the first game of the NAIA "The Show" Classic at the Meadowview Marriott Resort. Coming off a narrow win on Tuesday night over Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee, the Trojans looked to string together their third consecutive win against a tough opponent from the Heart of America Conference.

Keeping pace with a high-powered Eagles offense, Trinity drilled seven baskets from beyond the arc in the first half, three coming from the shooting hand of Diamond Presniakovas. TIU shot the ball well, but struggled to slow down CMU, led by Jonathan Brown and his 16 first half points. The Eagles would take a 12-point lead into halftime, 53-41.

The Trinity offense picked things up in the second half, shooting 50% from the floor with six additional three-point baskets, with three coming from Jack Kahoun. TIU played their attack through Sterling Brown and Brandon McQueen from mid-range. Central Methodist would dominate the glass, out rebounding the Trojans 45-28 and out rebounding TIU 38-16 from inside the paint. Despite an all-around strong shooting game, Trinity would be unable to slow down CMU, as the Eagles handed the Trojans the 101-83 loss.

Brown led TIU with 25 points and seven assists in the loss, while McQueen posted 16 points. Presniakovas notched 11 points against the Eagles, while both Kyonte Thomas and Jaden Thomas scored nine points. Leon Williams led the Trojans off the glass with seven rebounds, as Nabil Kone grabbed six boards.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• The Trojans fall to 0-2 all-time against Central Methodist after the loss. Friday's game marked the first meeting between the two programs since 2006.

• TIU has scored at least 80 points in every game played this season, making their offense the 21st highest scoring in the NAIA in points per game (88.3).

• Trinity's four losses this season have come in allowing at least 94 points.

• The Trojans have made at least 13 three-point field goals in the last three games, and have done so four total times this season. TIU ranks 14th in the national in made three-point shots per game (10.2).

• Sterling Brown posted his fifth game of 25+ points this season with a 26-point performance against the Eagles on Friday.

• Brandon McQueen's 16 points ties him for fifth in the NAIA in total points scored this season (213). McQueen is also tied for seventh in points per game in the nation (23.7).

• Diamond Presniakovas surpassed 650 career points with his 11-point game against Central Methodist.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (5-4) return to action tomorrow afternoon as they face the Vikings of Missouri Valley College in their final game of the NAIA "The Show" Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30pm EST in Kingsport, and can be watched LIVE on Season Cast. 
 

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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.