Titans Set the Tone Early, Roll Past Cougars in CCAC Home Win
SOUTH BEND – From the opening tip, IU South Bend made it clear that nothing would come easy for visiting Saint Xavier. The Titans delivered a dominant defensive performance to start the night, holding the Cougars scoreless for the first 6:45 of the game and building a commanding lead on the way to a comfortable, 75-56, CCAC victory inside the Student Activities Center.
IUSB smothered SXU in the opening frame, limiting the Cougars to 14.3 percent shooting from the field and just 12.5 percent from three, while forcing several early turnovers. A 21-5 first quarter set the tone for a night in which the Titans led wire-to-wire and never allowed the margin to dip below nine after the opening minutes.
The visitors attempted a comeback in the second and third quarters but could not pull within striking distance. SXU shot over 50.0 percent after the halftime break but the Titans matched the Cougars, offensively, as IUSB logged 40 second half points, including 23 in the fourth.
In the paint, senior forward Tenleigh Phelps was the driving force. Phelps delivered a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double, shooting 10-of-15 from the floor and adding four assists to cap an outstanding outing. Her interior presence powered much of IUSB’s success, as the Titans notched 28 points in the paint.
On the perimeter, Aubrie Booker provided the spark. The sophomore guard knocked down five three-pointers on her way to 19 points, stretching the SXU defense and creating space for Phelps and the Titan guards to operate. Booker’s rhythm from beyond the arc helped secure the win, including a second-half three and a pair of free throws that pushed the lead back into double digits.
Sydney Jerrells gave the Titans a lift off the bench, impacting the game in every phase with two points, two steals, a block, and three rebounds. Ava Grant also stepped up with 10 points in 22 minutes of action.
IU South Bend will hit the road for its next bout, looking to maintain its momentum against St. Ambrose on Saturday at 2:00 pm.