Bees Pull Away Late to Defeat IU South Bend
SOUTH BEND — Another home contest slipped away from the Titans Saturday afternoon, falling 80-76 to St. Ambrose inside the Student Activities Center. IU South Bend fought throughout the CCAC battle but could not overcome at home, moving to 14-8 overall and 9-5 in CCAC play.
The opening half featured tight margins throughout, with neither team leading by more than six. IU South Bend closed the half strong, finishing the final 50 seconds on a 5-0 run to take a 39-34 halftime lead. Mark White powered the Titans early, scoring 13 first-half points while knocking down three three-pointers on four attempts to give IU South Bend momentum heading into the break.
After halftime, St. Ambrose flipped the game in a hurry. The Bees came alive with eight unanswered points over a one-minute span (16:22-15:29), turning a three-point deficit into a 51-46 lead. From there, St. Ambrose controlled the pace, holding the lead the rest of the way and eventually pushing the margin to double digits midway through the half.
IU South Bend continued to fight and looked to make a final push in the closing minute. CJ Hornbeak drilled a three with 17 seconds remaining, followed by a St. Ambrose turnover that gave the Titans one last chance. Kyle Olagbegi converted two free throws moments later to cut the deficit to 80-76 with 11 seconds left. However, IU South Bend was unable to capitalize on its final possession, sealing the outcome.
Olagbegi went to work inside for 12 points and eight rebounds, while White finished with a team-high 15 points. Ethan Hill added 11 points and nine rebounds, and AJ Dunn chipped in 10 points off the bench. Collin Schmidt also reached double figures with 10 points and two triples.
Rebounding proved to be the difference on Saturday. IU South Bend surrendered 15 offensive rebounds, which St. Ambrose turned into 22 second-chance points, repeatedly extending possessions and offsetting the Titans’ edge in shooting efficiency.
The Titans will look to get back on track on Wednesday, hitting the road to face Judson at 8:30 pm EST.