SOUTH BEND — In one of the most dramatic games of the season, IU South Bend erased a 21-point first-half deficit and stormed back to defeat Governors State 77-71 on Saturday afternoon inside the Student Activities Center.
The Titans (14-6, 9-3 CCAC) trailed big late in the first half as Governors State shot over 50 percent and controlled the pace. With momentum firmly in the Jaguars’ favor, IU South Bend needed a spark—and it came just before halftime.
Trailing 43-24 with 3:20 remaining, the Titans locked in defensively and rattled off a 10-0 run to close the half. Collin Schmidt knocked down a pair of threes, Kyle Olagbegi converted at the line, and the Titans forced multiple stops to cut the deficit to 43-34 at the break, completely changing the tone of the game.
That momentum carried straight into the second half.
IU South Bend opened the final period with a 9-0 run, including back-to-back baskets from Schmidt, tying the game just three minutes into the half. The stretch completed a 19-0 run overall, during which the Titans held Governors State scoreless for more than six minutes of game action.
The Titans took their first lead of the game at the 13:33 mark on a clutch three from CJ Hornbeak, and from there, IU South Bend never trailed again.
Governors State made several pushes down the stretch, cutting the margin to one possession multiple times inside the final four minutes. Each time, the Titans answered at the free-throw line. Kyle Millender, Mark White, James Stevenson, and Hornbeak combined to go 9-for-10 at the stripe in the final 90 seconds, sealing the comeback win.
Schmidt delivered a career-best performance, finishing with 25 points on 11-of-18 shooting, adding eight rebounds and two blocks. He scored 11 of his points after halftime and was the driving force behind the comeback.
Kyle Olagbegi posted a strong all-around effort with nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Hornbeak added 11 points, including two key second-half threes. Kyle Millender chipped in seven points, all at the free-throw line.
IU South Bend outscored Governors State 43-28 in the second half, held the Jaguars to 38.5 percent shooting after halftime, and won the rebounding battle 38-29—a complete reversal from the opening 20 minutes.
IUSB will look to carry the momentum into its next matchup, facing Trinity Christian on Wednesday at home at 7:00 pm.