BANNOCKBURN, ILL. --- Another home game in the midst of a six-game streak, the Trojans tipped off against the Cougars of Saint Xavier University earlier this afternoon. A slow start left the Trojans behind on the scoreboard and despite leading in points in the paint and on second chances, over the course of the game they couldn't close the gap and lost 77-86 to the Cougars.
After the Cougars put up eight in a row to start the game, Coach Miller called a timeout and immediately out of the break, Kyonte Thomas answered with a layup and got the Trojans on the board. Following a Cougar 3-pointer, the Trojans responded with a 12-6 run, including another five points from Thomas on his way to tying his career high. A few minutes later Trinity's bench and fans were on their feet following back to back dunks by Diamond Presniakovas and Leon Williams, bringing the score to 23-35.
Starting the second half behind 14 points, the Trojans needed to increase their offensive pressure. An improvement from the first half, Trinity shot nearly 55% from the floor and almost 35% from the perimeter as Brandon McQueen led the way with 12 points and perfect accuracy. Throughout the half, the Trojans battled to cut the lead but were never able to come within single digits until the final minute with a 7-0 run.
Additional Game Notes
- Tonight's matchup was the 26th meeting between Trinity and Saint Xavier. Today's result brings the Trojans to 8-13 overall and 4-9 in the CCAC
- The Trojans are currently ranked 10th in the nation for total points scored (1,822) and 14th for 3PT made, averaging 9.7 per game.
- Trinity is ranked 9th for points per game, averaging 86.8
- The Trojans are also ranked 16th for steals per game, averaging 9.3
- Kyonte Thomas led the team in scoring this afternoon with 17 points, tying his career record
- Diamond Presniakovas gave a season high three assists
- Four Trojans had double digit points: K. Thomas (17), Brandon McQueen (15), Diamond Presniakovas (14), and Leon Williams (12)
Up Next
The Trojans(8-13) are back home on Monday January 24th, for another CCAC matchup, against the Tigers of Olivet Nazarene University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm 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.
