As the Trojans looked to begin their conference season on a positive note, they knew going in that they would have their hands full trying to stop the reigning CCAC player of the week, Michael Patton.  The Trojans would struggle to contain Patton and the rest of the PUC's offense as the Peregrines shot 50% from the floor and nearly reached the century mark. The Trojans also struggled on the boards as they have most of the season losing the rebounding battle 53-32. 

TIU began the game on a 7-0 run to take the early lead.  Ignas Verbus (JR, Lithuania) led the way for the Trojans in the first half as they would hold the lead for most of the first half.  However, around the 8 minute mark PUC's best player took over and gave the Peregrines the lead, Patton would finish the night with a career high 21 rebounds.  Verbus would keep the Trojans close finishing with a double double on the night of 25 points and 10 rebounds.  PUC would finish the half on a 10-3 run that would give them a commanding 45-34 halftime lead. 

As the two teams came out for the second half, the Trojans looked to recapture their early momentum.  TIU was able to get a stop on the first possession and then Verbus was able to cut the lead to single digits but that would be as close the Trojans would get.  PUC would rattle off the next eight points to put the game out of reach. 

The two teams would go back and forth for the next 10 minutes as the Peregrines built their lead to 22 points.  Patrick Atkins (Jr, Chicago IL) and the Trojans would make one last push cutting the lead to 81-70 with just over three minutes to go but PUC's hot shooting would keep the game out of reach.  Atkins would finish the night with 19 points and 4 steals but also added 5 turnovers as PUC pressured him all night.  In the end the inside presence of Patton was just too much for the Trojans to overcome falling 92-72.    

The Trojans next play in the friendly confines of the Meyer sports complex as they take on Calumet College of St. Joseph on Saturday, Januarry 9 at 7:30PM.