Indiana State delivered a resounding 84-63 victory over Evansville at the Ford Center, exceeding expectations in a game where they were predicted to win by just 3.9 points. The Sycamores' impressive performance was fueled by a balanced attack, with Enel St. Bernard leading the charge with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Markus Harding also chipped in with 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Sterling Young added 10 points to the mix.
The game got off to a blistering start for Indiana State, who stormed out to a 46-29 halftime lead. Evansville's Leif Moeller did his best to keep the Purple Aces in the game, scoring 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Sycamores' relentless offense. AJ Casey and Bryce Quinet also contributed for Evansville, with 10 points and 5 rebounds and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Indiana State's dominant display.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Indiana State winning by a slim margin, but the Sycamores had other plans. They came out strong from the opening tip, building a lead that they would never relinquish. The predicted score of 69-73 was quickly rendered irrelevant as Indiana State continued to pour it on, outscoring Evansville 38-34 in the second half to seal the 21-point victory.
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Final
The win improves Indiana State's record to 10-14, while Evansville falls to 5-18. While the outcome may not have been surprising, the margin of victory certainly was. Indiana State's ability to take care of business against a struggling opponent is a positive sign for their tournament chances, even if this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup.
For Evansville, the loss is just another setback in a difficult season. The Purple Aces were unable to capitalize on Moeller's strong performance, and their defense was unable to contain Indiana State's balanced attack. As a Quadrant 4 game, the loss doesn't hurt Evansville's resume, but it does underscore the challenges they face in competing against more talented opponents.
In terms of tournament implications, Indiana State's win keeps them on the periphery of the conversation. While this game won't significantly boost their resume, it's a win they needed to have. As a Quadrant 4 game, it's not a marquee victory, but it's a step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum late. With a current net ranking of 220, Indiana State still has work to do to become a serious tournament contender, but this win is a positive step in their journey.