Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – In a game in which both teams delivered big shots, big stops, and dramatic plays, Elmhurst men's basketball delivered its most dramatic play and finish of the season. Senior guard Dominic Trelenberg drilled a fadeaway three-pointer resulting in him tumbling backwards onto the court at the buzzer to lift the Bluejays to a heart-stopping 73–72 victory over Illinois College on Saturday afternoon, keeping Elmhurst undefeated at 4–0.

From the opening tip, the matchup was back and forth with neither team leading by more than two possessions most of the game.  The game included nine ties, multiple lead changes, and stretches where each basket felt like it would swing the momentum heavily in the other direction. In a very low scoring first half, Elmhurst carried a narrow 29–28 advantage into halftime before the heavily contested second half where both sides traded blows throughout the tightly contested second half.

Trelenberg, steady throughout the game, stepped up as the senior leader when the moment demanded it most. Elmhurst was trailing in the closing seconds when the senior scored the Bluejays' final five points while stepping up as a major senior leader for the Bluejays. After Illinois College regained a one-point lead with four seconds left, Elmhurst advanced the ball that's where the final fireworks went off. A well-set screen freed Trelenberg on the right wing, and without hesitation, he elevated and buried the game-winning three as the horn sounded. His fadeaway momentum caused in to tumble backwards while the shot solidified the victory and the Jays' bench stormed the court to join in the celebration. Trelenberg finished with 18 points, four assists, and eight made free throws, but the final three will be remembered long after the box score fades.

Elmhurst's success, however, was built on far more than one moment. The Bluejays had significant contributions from many in the lineup. Sebastian Blachut led the way with 19 points, knocking down three three-pointers and attacking the rim with confidence. His early scoring helped Elmhurst settle in offensively, while his late free throws kept the Bluejays within striking distance.  Freshmen guard Luke Smith turned in another strong all-around performance, contributing 15 points and a team-high eight reboundsForward Vinnie Adjahoungbeta added 10 points, including a few crucial threes, and nine rebounds, just missing a double-double, while also providing two crucial blocks that halted Blue Boys runs.

The Bluejays' perimeter shooting proved to be a major contributor, as Elmhurst connected on 11 three-pointers—including nine in the second half. Their long-range accuracy kept pressure on the Illinois College defense and provided answers each time momentum began to shift toward the home team.

Winning games on the road is a difficult thing to do and Elmhurst proved they have the leadership, toughness, and ability to win the close games on the road.  Now sitting at 4–0, the Bluejays continue their early-season surge and carry major momentum forward as they prepare for their next test against Depauw University.