Trojans News
Wed, Feb 17, 2010 - [Men's Basketball]
DEERFIELD IL-  The Trinity International Unversity men's basketball team were defeated at their final home game by the Trinity Christian College Trolls, 81-86.  The Trojans put up a good fight, but in the end the pesky trolls were just too much.
       
It was senior night for the one and only senior Trojan, Danny Kirst (SR, Galena, IL).  Kirst delivered the opening prayer and his father gave a memorable trumpet solo randition of the "National Anthem." Kirst contributed to the Trojans defeat with 8 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals at his final game at the Meyers Sports Complex.
 
The Trojans started off the first half hot with a quick pair of three pointers giving an early lead.  However, the Trolls would fight back tying up the contest with 12:17 left in the half, 15-15.  The Trolls would take the lead scoring on a number of fast break points off some of their 9 first half steals.  The Trojans would end the half down 15 points, with a score of 28-42.
 
Something changed in the Trojans game during halftime.  At 17:12,  Patrick Atkins (JR, Chicago, IL) came down with a monster dunk after a missed 3-pointer by Ignas Verbus (JR, Vilnius, Lithuania).  TIU consistently chipped away at TCC's lead but never was able to surpass it.  With 7:40 left in the game Atkins came up with a big steal and a quick fast break lay-up putting the Trojans within 6 points.
 

With the crowd behind the Trojans chanting away, Tyrone Smith (JR, Detroit, MI) hit a huge 3-pointer putting TIU within 3-points with 4:16 left in the match.  Smith would hit a number of big threes, but the Trolls would be able to answer the Trojan effort, keep their lead, and end the contest in victory.

The Trojans were lead by Atkins who scored 24 points, shooting 8-12 from the field.  Smith also had an impressive game scoring 21 points shooting 5-8 from beyond the arc and one monster block.  Verbus who recently hit the 1,000 point career mark, also contributed big with 20 point and 4 blocks. 

TCC as a team had a number of player scoring in double digits.  They were lead by Matt Buren (SO, Macomb, IL) with 18 points and 8 rebounds.  Notable contributions came from Jamie King (SO, Perini) contributing 17 points and 5 assists, Will Bruinsma (New Era, MI) with 15 points and 6 assists, Bryan Stevens (JR, Sun Valley, CA) scored 13 points, and Brendan Vize (SO, Pleasant Prairie, WI) scored 12.
The Trojans next and final game of the season is away against Judson at 5:00pm, February 20th. 2010.