Fast Start Fuels IUSB
OAKLAND CITY, Ind. — IU South Bend returned from the holiday break with a strong performance on Monday evening, building an early lead and never looking back in an 82-68 victory over Cumberland at the Johnson Center.
The Titans (8-4) set the tone from the opening tip, scoring on their first possession and using active defense to force early turnovers. IU South Bend opened the game on an 8-0 run, highlighted by interior finishes from Kyle Olagbegi and Mark White.
Cumberland answered with a pair of baskets to cut into the lead, and even took the lead nine minutes into the first half. The advantage for the Phoenix was short-lived, as Chris Hurt nailed a triple on the next possession, giving IUSB the lead that would hold through the final buzzer.
A strong stretch helped IU South Bend regain momentum, and the Titans closed the half on an 11-3 run capped by an Ethan Hill layup in the final minute to take a 43-31 lead into halftime.
The Phoenix attempted to rally after the break, trimming the deficit to single digits early in the second half, but IU South Bend only let its lead slip to seven before putting the game away with plenty of time still on the clock. The largest lead of the game for the Titans came with four minutes remaining, off a bucket from Hornbeak putting IUSB up by 18.
Ethan Hill delivered a milestone performance, recording his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also providing strong interior defense and energy on both ends. Kyle Olagbegi added 14 points and seven rebounds, and CJ Hornbeak finished with 12 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers.
IU South Bend finished the game with a 52-40 advantage in points in the paint, a 45-39 rebounding edge, and 40 bench points, continuing the balanced approach that has fueled recent success.
The Titans will be right back at it on Tuesday, facing Bethel (TN) at 6:00 pm at Oakland City University in the DHG Classic.