BANNOCKBURN, ILL. --- Back at home again for the first of six in a row, the Trojans tipped-off against the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch. Despite double-digit performances from five different Trojans, the game came down to the final seconds and Trinity struggled to kill the clock, allowing Cardinal Stritch to sink the final shot to win the game 101-100.
The Trojans got the game started with a 3-pointer from Sterling Brown followed by a dunk by Leon Williams, the beginning of a strong game for both Trojans. Trinity went on an early run and led the Wolves by eight points after two consecutive layups by Williams. Battling back, the Wolves overtook the Trojans and led by as big of a margin as five points for the middle part of the half before Trinity a couple of layups by Diamond Presniakovas gave them back the lead.
With less than seven minutes remaining, the Trojans got the crowd going with another dunk by Leon Williams followed by a layup by the same, both assisted by Kyonte Thomas who earned a career high record of nine assists throughout the game. Trinity entered the break shooting over 60% with 46% from beyond the perimeter.
Coming out of the break with a two point lead, the Trojans slowed the pace and the Wolves were able to tie the game 58-58. Sterling Brown dropped another 3-pointer to break the tie and also start the Trojans on an 18-6 run, taking the lead at 79-64 with 11 minutes left in the game. As the Trojans started to strategically kill the clock and put away the game, their ball control faltered and they gave up multiple turnovers.
With four minutes left in the game, the Trojans led by 10 points but the Wolves weren't backing down. After Cardinal Strtich closed the gap with a couple of 3-pointers, Trinity was facing a three point lead and less than two minutes on the clock. A couple of turnovers in the final minute were the final blow as Stritch regained possession and dropped the final layup to defeat the Trojans.
Additional Game Notes
- Tonight's matchup was the 30th meeting between Trinity and Cardinal Stritch. Today's result brings the Trojans to 8-12 overall and 4-8 in the CCAC
- The Trojans are currently ranked 2nd in the nation for total points scored (1,745) and 13th for 3PT made, averaging 9.9 per game.
- Trinity is ranked 11th for points per game, averaging 87.3
- The Trojans are also ranked 18th for steals per game, averaging 9.4
- Sterling Brown led the Trojans in scoring tonight with 23 points. He also contributed seven rebounds, his second highest of the season.
- Leon Williams put up another 22 points, his second highest of the season, as he went 10-10 in field goals
- Brandon McQueen had a season high seven rebounds
- Jack Kahoun gave a season high six rebounds
- Kyonte Thomas earned a carer high nine assists
- Freshman Quantary Roberson sank the first 3-pointer of his career within ten seconds of subbing into the game
Up Next
The Trojans(8-12) are back home this Saturday, January 22nd, for another CCAC matchup, against the Cougars of Saint Xavier University. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00pm CT. The game can be live streamed 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.
