BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — Trinity took to their home court this afternoon for a battle with the Fighting Saints of the University of St. Francis. In the face of adversity, the Trojans gave a lionhearted effort with flashes of brilliance in the 49-90 loss to the Fighting Saints, a squad that has received votes in the national rankings in recent weeks.

Throughout the initial eight minutes, Trinity went toe to toe with the Saints, keeping pace with the CCAC powerhouse as they swayed within a range of five points. With just under four minutes to go, sophomore Ashley Geisler landed her first three-pointer of the night to pull the Trojans just a point behind. A minute later the Saints led 16-14 before sinking one from the perimeter to ignite a run of 11 points. Just two seconds before the buzzer, Geisler sank another trey and brought the crowd of almost 100 to their feet. After the first stanza, the Trojans trailed 27-17.

Continuing the momentum from the buzzer beater, the Trojans hit the first twine in the second period with a layup from freshman Twanasia Graves that gave TIU a single-digit deficit to cover. Unfortunately, that would be the closest the Trojans would come to Fighting Saint's despite their resiliency on defense. Trinity kept a tighter pace with St. Francis in the second frame, scoring 16 to the Saints' 20. At the buzzer again, Trinity scored from the perimeter with a long-range shot from senior Amber Reynolds to end the half 33-47.

Trinity would battle with the Saints for the remainder of the game, but unfortunately the Saints' high-powered offense would propel them forward as the Trojan attack stuttered in the second half. Despite a short bench for the contest, the Trojan's showcased their perseverance and never-say-die attitude through the final horn.

Senior Hattie Black led the Trojans across the boxscore, posting 13 points, six assists, and six rebounds as she put up a career night. Trailing in second, sophomore Audree Peck grabbed 12 points with a season high six field goals as she continued to influence possession under the net with six rebounds. Another standout for the Trojans was Geisler with nine points and eight rebounds, a career best for the shooting guard.

The Trojans (3-21) hit the road again next week with a short trip to Palos Heights to square off with Trinity Christian College. Tip off is set for 5:30pm on Wednesday, February 1st.  

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TIU Trojans     TIU Women's Basketball

 

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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.