IUSB Battles at Saint Xavier
CHICAGO — IU South Bend struggled to find its rhythm early Wednesday night and could not fully recover, falling 79-69 on the road at Saint Xavier inside the Shannon Center.
The Titans (13-6, 8-3 CCAC) went cold in the opening half, shooting just 30.8 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from three-point range before halftime. Saint Xavier took advantage of the slow start, knocking down timely perimeter shots and building a 39-28 lead at the break.
Despite the early deficit, IU South Bend showed fight after the break. The Titans shot 48.6 percent in the second half and steadily chipped away behind improved ball movement and interior scoring. IU South Bend cut the margin to single digits multiple times and pulled within 58-66 with just over four minutes remaining, but could not get the stops needed to complete the comeback.
The Cougars were successful from the outside, going 13-for-31 from three-point range, compared to 3-for-17 for the Titans.
Ethan Hill led IU South Bend with 13 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor. Mark White added 12 points, and Kyle Olagbegi chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds. Olagbegi added a strong defensive effort with two steals and a rejection. Collin Schmidt finished with eight points and eight boards.
IU South Bend controlled the glass with a 39-33 rebounding advantage and outscored Saint Xavier 40-26 in the paint, but the early shooting struggles and perimeter disparity proved too much to overcome.
The Titans return home this weekend looking to bounce back against Governors State at home at 3:00 pm.