DEERFIELD, IL-  For the second straight season, the Trinity International men's basketball team played an early season game against East-West University, and for the second straight season walked away with a win, this time 100-86.

Trinity's frontcourt trio of Danny Kirst, Ignas Verbus and Carson Chapman combined for 59 points and 19 rebounds as the Trojans dominated the boards with a 32-21 despite being the shorter team.  Four different Trojans scored in double figures, led by Kirst's 26 and a 21-point, 6-assist night from Tyrone Smith.  Trinity International grabbed 10 offensive boards to East-West's 4.

Despite the early run by the Phantons (0-1), which pushed the lead to 16-6 behind the athleticism of Leo Baylor and Dennis Murphy, the Trojans were able to turn the tide and shrink the lead throughout the first half.  Newcomer Mitchell Klein entered the middle and defensive changed what East-West was able to do.  This led to several fast break outlet passes to Smith who dispersed 5 of of his assists in the half.  Battling back, the Trojans held a slim 41-39 lead at halftime.

TIU iced the game in the second half, shooting 63.6 percent (21-for-33) from the field after halftime while knocking down 12-of-19 free throws to seal the victory.  Verbus  was a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe.  In addition, the Trojans shot 55.9 percent from beyond the arc (5-for9) in the 2nd half.

Junior guards Patrick Atkins (15 points) was back in double figures for the second consecutive game,  scoring 12 of those in the 2nd half to help the Trojans push their lead to its highest total of 19.

With the win, Trinity International improves to 1-1 on the season. The Trojans will travel to Cedar Rapids, IA to participate in the Mount Mercy Tournament on Friday and Saturday.  They open with Mount Mercy College, Friday Night at 8 PM CST.  For text and emails alerts of results click here.

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