DEERFIELD, Ill. --- The TIU men's basketball team returned home on Saturday afternoon as they welcomed the University of St. Francis (IL) Fighting Saints to town in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action. Coming off a loss at Saint Xavier on Wednesday, the Trojans looked to bounce back with a much needed win.

Trinity came out of the gates strong with a 6-0 run in the first five minutes before the Saints tied the game at nine on a Russell Tilery layup. Both teams struggled greatly to control the ball, combining for 22 total turnovers in the first half. While USF found success from beyond the arc, the Trojans played through Brandon Lawani inside, who amassed 13 first half points with two blocked shots. At the break, the Saints would take a narrow 29-28 lead into the locker room.

St. Francis dominated the opening minutes of the second half, stretching their lead to as much as 11 points. However, the Trojan defense would slow the Saints as TIU crawled their way back with the final ten minutes becoming a thrilling back-and-forth battle. While Trinity was able to find it's three-point shot, the Saints greatly reduced their turnover numbers from the first half and began to dominate in the offensive rebounding battle. Jonathan Johansson was able to hit a difficult three-point shot as the final horn sounded, but thanks to a pair of Deandre Johnson free throws and a Tilery layup, the Saints were able to hold off the Trojans, handing TIU the 69-68 loss.

Lawani led Trinity with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, while Diamond Presniakovas notched 16 points. Jack Kahoun recorded nine points on three made three-point baskets, with Brandon McQueen scored eight points and dishing out ten assists.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• With today's loss, the Trojans fall to 5-11 all-time against St. Francis.

• With both teams combining for 31 total turnovers, USF outscored TIU 17-13 off of takeaways.

• In a tightly contested game fought in the paint, Trinity outscored the Saints 36-30 inside.

• TIU's 17 turnovers are the most committed in a game this season against at CCAC opponent.

• Brandon Lawani's 28 point, 11 rebound double-double is his fourth of the season.

• Lawani's three blocks move gives him 66 for his career, surpassing Cameron Burkett (2003-05) for seventh on the program's all-time career blocking list.

• Brandon McQueen's ten assists tie his career-high.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (8-6) will return to action on Wednesday night, February 17 as they visit the reigning CCAC champion Saints of Holy Cross at McKenna Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm ET and can be followed LIVE on the Regional Radio 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.