BANNOCKBURN, ILL. --- The Trojans were back on the court tonight for another CCAC matchup as they tipped off against the Jaguars of Governors State University. After a dominant first half shooting over 50% from the floor and perimeter, Trinity maintained their lead by nearly doubling their score and defeating the Jaguars, 95-80.
Trinity wasted no time at the start of the first half with two consecutive 3-pointers and a dunk to take the lead 8-2. The Jaguars pushed back and with about 14 minutes left and Diamond Presniakovas tied the score with a 3-pointer. Off the bench, Nabil Kone contributed back to layups and free throws to bring the Trojan lead to 22-19.
Increasing their offensive pressure, the Trojans dropped three consecutive 3-pointers before the Jaguars added a jumper. With six minutes remaining in the first half, the Trojans had a ten point lead that continued to grow. Five points by Jaden Thomas pushed the lead even farther and Trinity took the lead going into the break, 50-34.
As with the first half, Brandon McQueen opened the second half again with a 3-pointer. The Jaguars fired back with a short run of 8-2 before Sterling Brown dropped another three. Fourteen minutes on the clock and Governors state brought the score line within 10 points, but would close the gap no farther as Trinity ran away with the remainder of the game.
With nine and a half minutes left, the Trojans put together a string of exciting plays with a dunk by Leon Williams, and two more 3-pointers by Jaden Thomas and Sterling Brown. Throughout the night Trinity's offense hit their mark, shooting 51% from the floor and 48% from the perimeter. In the final minute, Williams landed another dunk and the Jaguars dropped another 3-pointer but the game had already been decided.
Additional Game Notes
- Tonight's matchup was the 7th all-time meeting between Trinity and Governors State. Today's result brings the Trojans to 9-14 overall and 5-10 in the CCAC
- The Trojans are currently ranked 3rd in the nation for total points scored (1,989) and 13th for 3PT made, averaging 9.8 per game.
- Trinity is ranked 9th for points per game, averaging 86.5 and 8th for field goals made per game
- The Trojans are also ranked 12th for steals per game, averaging 9.6
- Sterling Brown led the Trojans on the night with 20 points and 6 rebounds; he dropped a season high 6/10 3-pointers
- Brandon McQueen was close behind with 18 points and 4 rebounds
- Jaden Thomas earned a career high 2 3-pointers and 3 assists
- Five Trojans shot double-digits: Brown (20), McQueen (18), Diamond Presniakovas (16), Leon Williams (12), and Jaden Thomas (11)
Up Next
The Trojans(9-14) are back home on Saturday January 29th, for another CCAC matchup against the Fighting Saints of St. Francis (IL). Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm 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.
