KENOSHA, Wisc. – Elmhurst would take an early lead over the Firebirds, but the home team would respond before the break and hold off the Bluejays, 80-65 on Saturday afternoon.

Dominic Trelenberg led the way for the Bluejays, scoring 17 points and five rebounds. Vinnie Adjahoungbeta and Sebastian Blachut each finished with nine points, going an identical 4-for-6 from the floor.

The Bluejays would lead by as much as nine points in the first half, after a three-pointer from Trelenberg at the 14:18 mark that put Elmhurst in front, 16-7. A five-minute scoring drought would allow the Firebirds to go on an 11-0 run and take an 18-16 lead midway through the first half.

Elmhurst briefly tied the game on a put-back from Trelenberg, 24-24 before Carthage pulled away in the closing minutes of the first half, taking a 42-31 lead at the break. Throughout the second half, Carthage would maintain a double-digit lead to close out the win.

The Bluejays will look to bounce back next week, when they host Millikin on Wednesday night, January 7. Tipoff with the Big Blue is set for 7:00 p.m.