Palos Heights, Ill. - While Trinity Christian College (9-10, 5-7 CCAC) men's basketball dismantled Cardinal Stritch (5-13, 3-9 CCAC), 90-80, on Wednesday night; there was a moment that made you realize how young and energetic this team is.

Sophomore Braxton Barnhizer called for a screen from newest Troll, sophomore Dustin Hudak with 8:27 to play in the first half. As Hudak rolled off the screen and Barnhizer dribbled off the right elbow, junior Erik Cohn planted at the free-throw line and set a beautiful screen for Hudak. Barnhizer lobbed one to the rim and Hudak finished the alley-oop. He went to the line and finished off the three-point play. 

It was Hudak, Barnhizer and freshman Deon McLaughlin combining for 65 of the Trolls 90 points. Two sophomore and a freshman. Doing damage for 40-minutes. Oh yeah and junior Vince Overway added 18 points. 

"We bounced back in conference. We played together, but our defense needs to improve," head coach Jason Hawkins said. "We will continue to move forward."

The Cardinal Stritch attack didn't quiet easily, even as they trailed by as many as 19 points early in the second half, the Wolves didn't quit. They went on a 19-6 run to cut the Trolls lead to six-points at 68-62 with 11:24 to play. Barnhizer hit a big three-ball and it was a pair of buckets from McLaughlin as the two teams traded baskets. The Trolls held off the Wolves attack and rolled to their third win in their last four games. 

NOTES & NUMBERS:

• In his first two games, Hudak averaged 5.5 per game. On Wednesday, the transfer broke out in a big way scoring 25 points on an efficient 8-for-13 from the field and 3-for-6 from the three-point line.
• Barnhizer nearly missed his second triple-double this year. He had 16 points, a careeer high 20 rebounds and eight assists. He's averaging 15 rebounds per game in his last four contests. 
• The freshman sensation McLaughlin has been a problem for opposing defenses. He muscled his way to a career high 24 points. He did it on an effiecient 10-for-19 from the field.
• The Trolls shot 47.8% (11-23) from the three-point line and 54% from the field. 

UP NEXT: Another road test awaits Jason Hawks group. The Trolls head to Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 22 to take on St. Ambrose (7-12, 6-8 CCAC). Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.