NAPERVILLE, IL- Millsaps forced 27 turnovers and held the Trinity International (IL) Trojans to 29 percent shooting in a 55-31 win in the opening game of the Chicago-land Mariott Tip-Off hosted by North Central College. 

The Majors used their defense to fuel their offense as Kala-Jewel Freeman had 16 points to lead a balanced effort on Friday. Freeman was the only Major in double figures but 10 different Majors scored and four had at least seven points in the victory. 

The Majors set the tempo of the game early, forcing a shot-clock violation on the Trojan's opening possession. Millsaps broke the game open midway through the half, using a 14-0 run to take a 22-9 lead with seven minutes remaining. A disciplined defense gave the Trojans no easy looks or points, forcing them into tough shots late in the possession and only two free throws for the entire game. The Majors would lead 31-17 at the break. 

Millsaps would pick up right where they left off to start the second half, limiting Trinity to just four points over the first 10 minutes and built a 25-point lead in the process. The Majors would also continue to pound the ball inside on the Trojans as Mahalia Crawford, Kim Klunk, Miah Brooks and Freeman made a living on the low block as the Majors combined to score 28 points in the paint on Friday. The inside presence also led to a distinct advantage at the free-throw line where Millsaps outscored Trinity 13-2. 

The Majors consistently limited the Trojans to one shot per possession, owning the glass to the tune of a 41-29 advantage. Nine different Majors had at least two rebounds, led by a trio of Majors (Perez, Klunk, and Freeman) who each had six. Twenty-one of the 41 rebounds were on the offensive end, leading to 21 second-chance points for the Majors.

The win moves Millsaps to 1-1 on the year. They will next take on host North Central Tomorrow night at 5pm. Live stats and video will be available courtesy of the Cardinals for the game.