Both teams traded baskets through the opening two minutes before Governors State University used a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to build a 14-6 advantage. Brandon Adorno and Tylan Harris snapped the drought for Trinity Christian with back-to-back three-pointers to cut into the deficit.

The Jaguars responded with seven straight points to extend their lead to 23-12 with 11:37 remaining in the first half. Moments later, Governors State pushed the margin to 33-22 with 6:47 left before the break.

The Trolls answered with a strong surge, going on a 13-2 run over the next four minutes. Wandy Munoz and Garrett Greene each contributed a pair of baskets during the stretch, helping knot the score at 35-35. GSU converted two free throws to take a 37-35 lead, but those would be the Jaguars' final points of the half.

Trinity Christian closed the opening period on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Adorno and layups by Ognjen Petkovic and Munoz, to take a 42-37 lead into halftime.

Harris extended the run to 10-0 overall by opening the second half with a three-pointer, giving the Trolls a 45-37 cushion. However, the Jaguars responded with 10 straight points of their own to reclaim a 47-45 lead with under 16 minutes to play.

The teams continued to trade leads before Governors State used another 12-0 run to take control at 63-52 with under 10 minutes remaining. Brandt Martin tried to swing momentum back in Trinity Christian's favor with a three-pointer.

After GSU stretched its lead to 65-57 with 8:02 to go, the Trolls mounted another comeback, scoring eight unanswered points — including two baskets from Martin — to tie the game at 65-65.

Martin gave Trinity Christian a late push with a basket at the 2:18 mark to make it 71-69, but neither team scored the rest of the way. In the end, Governors State held on for the 71-69 victory.