DEERFIELD, Ill. —  This afternoon the Trojans squared off with the CCAC-leading Lakers of Roosevelt University. A tight game at intermission broke open in the second half as the Lakers drowned the Trojans 54-73.

Starting the show for a crowd of over 100, Brandon Lawani dunked over the Lakers less than ten seconds from the tip. In response, Roosevelt hit back to back threes to jumpstart their offense and grab a 12-point lead seven minutes in. With eight minutes remaining, the Trojans began growing momentum with a layup from Diamond Presniakovas and the gift point following misconduct. Colby Cross dropped his 11th three-point of the season to finish the short run. Staring at a 15-point deficit, the Trojans went to work climbing back as they held the Lakers to eight points in the final five minutes while dropping 14 of their own. Presniakovas claimed six of the 14 while Kyonte Thomas landed a trey in the run. At the half point, Trinity trailed 39-30 as the Lakers sank a three-pointer at the buzzer.

From the break, Roosevelt grew their lead by six before Thomas answered with another from the perimeter. With the clock at 17:58, the Trojans trailed by 12 points and unfortunately would come no closer to the CCAC top-ranked Lakers. In the remainder of the half, the Lakers would lead by as many as 26 points in the 14th minute before Trinity gave one final push. Back to back layups from Monte Lambert, the same from Nabil Kone and another from Aaron Cufr closed out the second half as the Trojans fell to Roosevelt University.

In the turnover game, the Trojans grabbed more points than the Lakers, as well as outscored them 30-26 in the paint.

Diamond Presniakovas led the offense this afternoon in scoring with 15 points, paired with a team leading six rebounds. Kyonte Thomas dished out seven assists while snatching two steals.

TIU still holds third in the country, averaging 10.9 steals per game.

The Trojans (13-10) are home again for a midweek clash with the Redhawks of Indiana University Northwest. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30pm in Van Dixhorn Arena.