January 20, 2023 | by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats couldn't finish things on their home court. They fell 52-84 to Trinity International.

For the first time this season, it was Goodnews Akonofua who led Sabercats. He finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds on the night.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 52-84 Trinity Int'l
• Venue: Gymnasium - Maranatha Baptist University
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: 192
• Records: MBU (2-14), TIU (10-7)

STORY 

A quick lay-up off of the tip gave the Trojans a quick lead over the Sabercats. A lead that Maranatha would not be able to overcome all night. Trinity went on a fast 10-0 run before Dylan Woodward was able to hit a jumper to bandage the bleed. But that bandage quickly came off as the Trojans went on another run, this time 12-0.

A couple of layups from Goodnews Akonofua and Malachi Herbster started to get Maranatha headed in the right direction. For most of the game, it was a fight for the Sabercats to stay within a 20-point gap. 

But the Trojans kept their eyes on the prize, driving to the hole to pick up foul after foul on the Sabercats, giving them some easy point opportunities at the line. 

It seemed that many of the Sabercats felt disheartened in the second half, but Brayden Cox came off of the bench to provide a little energy on the court and keep the home crowd engaged. Not afraid of sacrificing his body for a good save, he hustled after every loose ball he could. To top things off he drained a couple of threes, ending his night with 7 points, all of which came in the second half. 

--

Maranatha Starters: 0- Woodward, 15- Davis, 21- Moultrie, 24- Herbster, 35- Akonofua

STATS

• Box Score
• MBU: shot 27 percent from the field 
• TIU: shot 37.5 percent from the field
• Last time: Maranatha fell 73-78 to Trinity Int'l on January 30, 2021
• Series: Trinity Int'l leads the all-time series 6-0

OPPONENTS

• Trinity Int'l competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Trinity Int'l also competes in North Central region of the National Christian College Athletic Association (DI)
• Trinity Int'l finished the '21-'22 season with a 13-17 overall record

NEXT

The Sabercats stay in Watertown to take on Moody Bible Institute in a NCCAA North Region match-up on Saturday, January 21st at 2 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.