Joliet, IL - The Trojans advance to 12-14 overall and 9-11 in conference after a key conference victory at University of St. Francis (17-9, 13-7). The Trojans halted a five game winning streak for the Fighting Saints, which started on January 17th when the Saints beat the Trojans at home 67-77.

Trinity International University: 12-14 overall, 9-11 CCAC

University of St. Francis: 17-9 overall, 13-7 CCAC

Box Score

Game Recap

The Trojans traveled to Joliet, Illinois Saturday evening to take on the Fighting Saints in their second conference meeting of the regular season. At the tip off, TIU Senior Dillon Wadsack hit the first point of the game with a lay up just 37 seconds in. Nathan Ball also put in back to back layups after a good free throw from Demontay Robinson to extend the Trojan lead 7-0 only 4 minutes into the game. Ball would contribute signifacntly to the Trojan offense with 12 points in the first half and TIU never lost the lead, finding their largest gain by by 17 points at 23-40 with 44 seconds remaining before the break. The Saints Brian Edwards would put in two free throws to make it 25-40 going into halftime. 

The Saints fought hard in the second half to get back in the game, limiting the Trojan offense, and eventually tiying the game 50-50 at 8:55 to go. The lead switchd four different times over the next seven minutes, TIU coming out ahead with back to back three pointers from Senior Daniel Metzelfeld to make 66-61 with just over a minute remaining. Saints Andrew Berg hit a three to make it 66-64 and to get within 2 points of the Trojans. The Saints immediately called a timeout and were then given two free throw opportunities off a foul by TIU Justin Peeples, however they missed both and on possession regained by the Trojans Peeples was fouled and hit both free throws, making it 68-64 Trojans at the final buzzer. 

Trinity was led by Daniel Metzelfeld with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals, along with 13 points and 4 steals from Demontay Robinson and Nathan Ball with 12 points and 6 rebounds. TIU nearly outrebounded the Saints 35-33, along with a shooting percentage of 52.9% from the field to the Saints 39.3%.

TIU is on the road again on Wednesday, February 6th at 7pm at Purdue University North Central.