The Trinity Bible College Lions set out on a twelve hour journey to Springfield, Missouri for their first NCCAA National Men’s basketball tournament since 2006. The 2006 Trinity Lions team went down to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and lost both their games. This year’s team was looking to not only enjoy the trip but to make a name for themselves. They would have to do that by beating the #6 seed Grace University out of Omaha, Nebraska.

                The Lions came out strong, jumping out to an 8 to 3 lead early, 3 minutes into the game. Grace would answer by going on their own 9 to 3 run taking their first lead 11 to 12 with 13 minutes left in the first half. The Lions would hold on to the lead for the rest of the first half. The Lions would take only a 5 point lead into half, with only four of the Lions scoring. The Lions had a hot first half of shooting, going 46% from the field and 5 for 11 on three’s. The Lions came out just as strong in the second half getting out to a 10 point lead    47 to 35 with 15 minutes left in the game. Grace University would mount a comeback using a 23 to 10 run over a nine minute span, with 6:30 left, to take their first lead of the second half. The Lions would not let them keep the lead long, as sophomore guard AJ Anthony would get a fast break lay-up to take the lead back and freshman forward Barry Bighorn would do the same a few moments later giving the Lions a 61 to 58 lead with only 5 minutes to play. Junior guard David Rohrbach would add a corner three to add to the Lions lead off of a steal by Anthony on a Grace inbounds pass.  Junior Mikey Rosario would take care of business down the stretch making some clutch free throws. The Lions would hold on for the upset win 74 to 69.

                In the win the Lions were led by junior Mikey Rosario, who had 23 points, 6 of 6 from the free throw line and 5 rebounds. Joining Rosario in double figures was freshman Barry Bighorn who added 19 points and 8 rebounds and sophomore AJ Anthony would add 18 points, 3 of 5 on three’s, 4 assists and 5 steals. Freshman Nick Lentz pulled down 8 rebounds to go with his 4 points and one very crowd pleasing block. The Lions forced 22 Grace turnovers and held them to just 5 for 25 on 3’s for the game.

                The win advances the Lions to the second round of the NCCAA National Tournament on Thursday. The Lions will be facing the #3 seed Ohio Christian University on Thursday, March 8^th at 4pm. For live streaming of the game please visit http://www.ccsnonline.com/ mens-basketball-national-tournament/