IUSB Drops Nail-Biter at Governors State
UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. — IU South Bend battled to the final possession Saturday afternoon, but a late push by Governors State proved enough as the Titans fell 78-75 in a conference road thriller.
The Titans (2-4, 1-1 CCAC) did well to build a lead in the opening minutes of Saturday’s contest, ultimately going into the halftime break up, 40-33. Unfortunately, Governors State caught fire late, shooting 61.5% in the final half and hitting timely threes to swing momentum their way.
A back and forth game would fittingly come down the final plays, as the Titans tied the game at 73-73 on a clutch three from CJ Hornbeak with 1:27 remaining, and briefly retook the lead on an Ethan Hill layup with 51 seconds left. But GSU answered with a go-ahead three from Javon Johnson at the :36 mark and secured the win on a transition dunk in the final seconds.
Hornbeak led the Titans with 17 points, including three triples, while Ethan Hill delivered 13 points and eight rebounds, coming off the bench. Mark White added 10 points and five assists, and Kyle Olagbegi contributed 12 points and five assists.
The Titans once again dominated inside, outscoring Governors State 36-20 in the paint, and held a 32-32 rebounding split despite GSU’s late surge. IU South Bend also forced 11 turnovers and turned them into eight points.
IU South Bend continues conference play next week as the team will host Saint Xavier on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.