DEERFIELD, IL-  The Trinity International University men's basketball team defeated Purdue Calumet 84-62.  The Trojans (5-18) won big against the Peregrines (5-14) evening out their head-to-head contest 1-1.


Everyone showed up for the night home game at Meyers Sports Complex.  The players, coaches, fans, and even the Upward basketball program of Emanuel Church in Gurnee, IL.  The raving crowd included students in their finest Trojan and 80's getup, supporting their team with constant noise and chants.  There was a lot to cheer for in the contest; ending in a student lead victory tunnel for the team and autographs for the Upward basketball youth Trojan fans.

Ignas Verbas (JR, Lithuania) lead the Trojans scoring 34 points, bringing down 5 boards, and shooting a flawless 6-6 from the free throw line.  Verbas set the standard for the Trojans and the entire rest of the team responded and delivered.

Patrick Atkins (JR, Chicago, IL) also had a big game with a double-double scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds.  The victory could not have happened without another phenomenal performance by Carson Chapman (SO, Yorba Linda, CA).  Chapman should win the hustle award making big plays throughout the game and scoring 17 points, 6 boards, and shooting 3-4 from beyond the arc.

Verbas and Chapman dominiated the first half giving the Trojans the lead 38-29  The score was tied only once, and once the Trojans were up they never looked back.  Their lead steadily increased throughout the second half peaking at 27 points with five minutes remaining.  The Trojans kept their healthy lead over the Peregrines ending the contest 84-62

Notable efforts from Purdue Calument include Aaron Evans (FR, Indianapolis, IN) scoring 18 points, Neal Hudson (JR, Gary, IN) with a double-double scoring 11 points and 11 boards, and Eric Summers (FR, Dyer, IN) contributing 11 points as well.

The Trojans shot 43% from the field, 39% behind the 3-point line, and 83% from the free throw line.  The Peregrines shot 39% from the field, 38% behind the 3-point line, and 55% from the free throw line.  TIU ended up being too much for Purdue Calumet, resulting in a big win at home.

The Trojans play next on the road on February 3rd, at 7:30 PM against Calumet College.