WATERTOWN, Wis. --- A lopsided second quarter was the difference in an otherwise competitive contest for the Sabercats against the Trojans of Trinity International University. MBU lost by a score of 43-57 and were led by 18 points from Alexis Johnson.

With the loss, the Sabercats are now 11-11 on the year.

The first quarter brought a hectic start as the Trojans' high-energy defense forced the Sabercats to be quick and sharp with possession. Both teams traded a 6-0 run to start the quarter, then stayed tight to end it.

With their hand forced, the Sabercats weathered the storm imposed by the TIU defense, and came out on top with a 14-13 advantage by the end of the quarter. MBU stayed sharp and active with the ball, and Lexi Johnson proved to be the primary offensive threat by posting 10 points alone.

The Sabercats' momentum was halted in the second quarter, as the Trojans' defensive persistence paid off. TIU posted a 10-0 run to start the quarter and held MBU point-less until there were three minutes left. All in all, the Trojans denied MBU any points from the field and posted a 17-1 run in the second quarter alone to double the Sabercats' points entering halftime. (15-30)

Alexis Johnson and Hanna Glaze tried to jump-start the Sabercats' offense in the third quarter, and MBU pulled back to within 10 points through the five five minutes of the second half with a revived look to their offense. Johnson was accurate with her mid-range jumper and the Sabercats were a bit more polished on defense, beginning the quarter with a 15-6 run.

The Trojans restored their two-digit lead as the quarter matured, however, and entered the final quarter with a 12-point lead. (33-42)

The fourth quarter held a cagey opening - the teams combined for just eight points through the opening five minutes. Amanda Rodgriguez knocked in a layup to pull the Sabercats to within eight points, but the Trojans responded positively with six unanswered points of their own to go ahead 36-50 with four minutes left.

As the game wound down, the Trojans' accuracy from beyond the arc improved, as the visitors maintained their lead with shots from distance.

The Sabercats were spirited in their pursuit of the game late on, but were just off the mark with their chances. After a well-fought effort, the Sabercats fell for the second time this season to the Trojans.

This was just the fifth meeting between the two teams, and Trinity International has taken both matchups for the 2016-17 season.

The Sabercats next game will be at home to the Moody Bible Institute Archers, who are a part of the NCCAA North Region with the Sabercats. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Watertown, Wis.

You can watch the game live at mbusabercats.com/live and via Facebook Live (/MBUSabercats).