CHICAGO, ILL. --- After a long string of home games throughout the month of January, the Trojans hit the road to tip off against the Lakers of Roosevelt University. A back and forth first half left the Trojans behind on the scoreboard, but after a timeout in the middle of the second half the Trojans started a run that dominated the remainder of the game and defeated the Lakers, 81-73.
The Trojans got off to a slow start, allowing the Lakers a brief lead before tying the score at 7-7 with a jump shot by Brandon McQueen. Despite forcing multiple turnovers, the Trojans were unable to convert on the scoreboard and the Lakers continued adding to their lead. Midway through the half, Roosevelt had a short run extending their lead to 10-20. Brandon McQueen dropped a 3-pointer to start chipping at the deficit but the Lakers quickly matched it with one of their own.
With seven minutes remaining, the Trojans closed the gap to four points after a couple of free throws by Sterling Brown and a layup by Kyonte Thomas. The Lakers pulled ahead again and as the clock ran out for the half, Jack Kahoun sank a 3-pointer to end the half, 29-34
Looking to keep the momentum from the buzzer beater at half, the Trojans sank another three this time by Brandon McQueen. The Lakers answered and increased their lead while keeping their defensive pressure and holding off the Trojans. With fifteen minutes left, Jack Kahoun stepped up and dropped another 3-pointer, bringing the score to 39-42. A minute later, Diamond Presniakovas added one of his own and after a shooting foul conversion, the score was 43-44.
His third 3-pointer of the night, Jack Kahoun added to the scoreboard again and brought the to 48-51 as the emotions of the game began to run high and fouls became more frequent. Free throws by Kyonte Thomas followed by a layup by Diamond Presniakovas gave the Trojans the lead for the first time in the half, 52-51. A couple minutes later with the score tied at 55-55, TIU called a timeout to regain composure and swing momentum.
Out of the timeout, Kyonte Thomas made a layup and started the Trojans on a 17-1 run to take the lead and create a wide gap in the scoreline. With three minutes remaining, the Lakers called a timeout hoping to regain control of the game but it would be to no avail as the Trojans continued to drop points from the floor and the free throw line.
As the final whistle blew, the Trojans earned their fourth consecutive conference win with a score of 81-73.
Additional Game Notes
- Tonight's matchup was the 20th all-time meeting between Trinity International and Roosevelt. Today's result brings the Trojans to 12-14 overall and 8-10 in the CCAC
- The Trojans are currently ranked 2nd in the nation for total points scored (2,268) and 13th for 3PT made, averaging 9.8 per game.
- Trinity is ranked 4th for points per game, averaging 87.2 and 10th for field goals made per game
- The Trojans are also ranked 9th for steals per game, averaging 9.9
- Brandon McQueen led the Trojans with 25 points and eight rebounds, a new season-high for rebounding
- Diamond Presniakovas added 14 points, shooting 6-6 from the floor
- Jack Kahoun totaled 13 points
Up Next
The Trojans(12-14) are on the road again as they travel to the Savanna Center to tip off against Indiana University Northwest on Wednesday evening. Game time is scheduled for 7:30pm and can be live streamed on the Redhawk 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.
