BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- Riding their longest winning streak of the season, the TIU women's basketball returned home on Wednesday night as they hosted the Judson Eagles at Van Dixhorn Arena in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play. After defeating the Eagles back on December 4 in the non-conference season opener, the Trojans looked to extend their recent run of success.

Trinity came out with all cylinders firing, jumping out to a 15-5 lead in the first ten minutes of play. Alina Jahnke made quick work of opposing defenders inside with seven of TIU's first 15 first quarter points. Judson's defense would hold the Trojans to just one made field goal and six free throws in the second quarter, but the TIU defense was able to hold the Eagles to 24% shooting from the floor to take a 24-19 lead into halftime. 

Both offenses would struggle out of the locker room with under 30% shooting, but Trinity's continued defense, plus three-point baskets by Ambery Reynolds and Brittany Gafare kept the Eagles at bay. Judson would cut the TIU lead down to one with 30 seconds remaining in regulation, but the Trojans were able to ice the hotly contested game with a set of free throws by Daniela Lopez and Taylor Hibicke to secure the 52-49 win.

Jahnke led TIU with a 14 point, 12 rebound double-double with five blocked shots. Reynolds and Gafare both notched eight points, while Hibicke scored seven.
 

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• In the 30th meeting all-time between TIU and Judson, the Trojans improved their record to 12-18 against the Eagles. Tonight's win marks the first time since the 2010-11 season that Trinity won consecutive games against Judson.

• After a 3-7 start to the season, TIU has won a season-high four consecutive games to improve to 7-8.

• TIU's bench outscored Judson 16-4 in the win.

• Alina Jahnke recorded her seventh double-double of the season in the win with 14 points and 12 rebounds, second most in the CCAC.

• Jahnke set a new career-high in assists (5) in the win.

• Kelsey Kelley notched new career marks for field goal attempts (7), offensive rebounds (3) and total rebounds (5).
   
• Head coach Irvin Jerry earned the 80th win of his NAIA head coaching career with tonight's win. Jerry previously coached at San Diego Christian from 2013-17.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (7-8) return to action on Saturday afternoon, February 6 as they visit the Roosevelt University Lakers in CCAC play. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00pm CT from the Athletic & Convocation Center in Arlington Heights and can be watched LIVE on the Laker Sports Network.

Visit TIUtrojans.com to stay up to date with the latest TIU women's basketball news and schedule updates.

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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.