Feb 26 - The TIU women's basketball team took out the Judson Eagles 60-58 Thursday night in a game that went down to the final minute.  With the win, the Lady Trojans reach the finals of the CCAC tournament to be played Saturday night at Cardinal Stritch University.

The third time was a charm for Trinity International University (19-11) as they took a two-point win, 60-58, over Judson University in the semi-final game.  Trinity International was swept during the regular season by Judson.

Trinity International's Jonkea Stewart-Butler led all scorers with 18 points.  She was supported by Vivianne Kindt, Reanna Perera, and Melanie Duplessis' 10 points each.  Perera added a double-double with 14 rebounds.

The win did not come easily for Trinity International after Judson came back from 16 points down to take the lead with 1:18 left in the game.  Judson's  Aubrey Parson hit one-of-two free throws to give the Eagles only their second lead of the game, 58-57.  Just as it looked as though Judson had stopped the Trojans offense, Jonkea Stewart-Butler broke free and swooshed the game winning three-pointer for a two-point advantage with 55 ticks left.

Judson brought the ball down the court and took a three-pointer that would have given them the lead but it fell short.  CCAC leading rebounder Alicia Rovertoni was there to grab the rebound and give Judson a second chance with 32 seconds left.  Then, with 11 seconds left, Judson took a time out for a final play.  In the final 11 seconds, Trinity International's defense was too much as Judson's Kirstin Johns threw up a three-pointer with three seconds left and it was then rebounded out to mid court as the game ended.

Crystal Goodall gave Judson 15 points and was followed by John's 13 and Rovertoni's 20th career double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Trinity International took control of the game in the first half shooting 68% from the floor and cruising to a 16-point advantage.

Judson finished shooting 37% from the floor and only 18% from the three-point line and 35% from the foul line.  Trinity International made 49% of their shots, was 40% from three-point land, and 75% from the stripe.

Trinity International advances to their second straight CCAC Tournament Championship game vs. Cardinal Stritch University on Saturday, February 28th.


story written by Adam P. Ledyard