KINGSPORT, Tenn. --- The TIU men's basketball team wrapped up their Thanksgiving holiday road trip at the NAIA "The Show" Classic on Saturday afternoon as they took on the 6-1 Vikings of Missouri Valley College. Following a tough loss to a high-powered Central Methodist team last night, the Trojans looked to finish their weekend with a much needed non-conference win.

Trinity would challenge the Vikings through the first eight minutes of play before MVC jumped out to a commanding 20-point lead. Missouri Valley would shoot 55% from the floor in the opening half, while TIU struggled to find the bottom of the net on just 33%. With eight made three point shots in the first half, the Vikings would carry a 59-37 lead into the halftime break.

The Trojans would begin to flip the script in the second half, thanks to a strong rebounding effort, particularly on offense. Trinity would also begin to find their shot on offense, outscoring the Vikings 49-42. However, Missouri Valley would be able to maintain their double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes, handing the Trojans the 101-86 loss.

Brandon McQueen led TIU with 22 points, including four made three-point baskets, plus a game-high seven assists in the loss. Sterling Brown notched 21 points, while Jaden Thomas recorded 15 points. Leon Williams led Trinity with 14 rebounds, with Nabil Kone posting a 13 points, ten rebound double-double.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• The Trojans fall to 0-2 all-time against Missouri Valley after Saturday's loss. The game was the first meeting between the two programs since 2009.

• TIU has scored at least 80 points in every game played this season, making their offense the 23rd highest scoring in the NAIA in points per game (88.1).

• Saturday's game marks the first time since the 2016-17 season that TIU has allowed over 100 points in three of their first ten games.

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

• TIU out-rebounded MVC 54-38, including 23-7 in Saturday's loss.

• Nabil Kone's 13 points against the Vikings were a new career-high, breaking his previous high-water mark of six.

• Kone's 13 points and ten rebounds on Saturday marked his first career double-double.

• Leon Williams' 14 rebounds against MVC were a season-high.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (5-5) now return to Illinois and Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play on Wednesday night as they take on No. 23 Olivet Nazarene in Bourbonnais. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm CST at McHie Arena, with the game being broadcast LIVE on the Tiger 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.