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Indiana University South Bend

Jefferson layup
@jarisaphotographer
84
Winner Warner (FL) WARNER 1-0, 0-0-0
78
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA 0-1, 0-0-0
Winner
Warner (FL) WARNER
1-0, 0-0-0
84
Final
78
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA
0-1, 0-0-0
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Warner (FL) WARNER 34 50 84
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA 32 46 78

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Basketball Season is Here

SOUTH BEND --- IU South Bend opened its 2026-27 men's basketball season Friday night at the Student Activities Center, falling 84-78 to Warner University (Fla.) in a competitive contest that featured several promising performances from new faces in the Titan lineup.

The Titans (0-1) came out strong, establishing an early advantage behind an efficient offensive attack. IU South Bend built a 16-7 lead near the midway point through the first half, but the Royals responded with a strong stretch of their own. Warner took its first lead with just under nine minutes remaining in the half, taking control with a 14-0 run.

IU South Bend battled back late in the opening period, using a series of defensive stops and timely baskets to erase the deficit. The Titans briefly regained the lead in the final minute before a last-second putback gave Warner a 34-32 advantage heading into halftime.

The back-and-forth battle continued after the break. IU South Bend opened the second half with renewed energy, getting a pair of three-pointers from newcomer Saxton Hoepker and seven points from Chris Hurt to move ahead 47-42. However, Warner answered with a barrage of outside shots, retaking the lead and pushing forward to 58-50.

The Titans continued to battle, pulling even at 60-60 with an 8-0 run with just over eight minutes remaining on a steal and score from AJ Dunn. 

The Royals responded with another scoring burst, building a double-digit advantage in the closing minutes. IU South Bend had opportunities to chip away at the deficit, but struggles at the free-throw line halted the comeback attempt.

One of the brightest spots for IU South Bend was the debut of Saxton Hoepker, who finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and an impressive five blocked shots. Hoepker made his presence felt defensively throughout the night, protecting the rim while also stepping out to reject perimeter shot attempts. He added two three-pointers of his own in a strong all-around debut.

Hurt led the Titans offensively with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, adding five assists and three steals. Dunn followed with 15 points and five steals, while newcomer J'Siah Jefferson provided an immediate spark off the bench with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Mark White Jr. rounded out the five Titans in double figures with 10 points.

The season opener also marked the IU South Bend debuts of Andrew Soenksen and Zion Rhoades. Soenksen contributed five points, seven rebounds and a blocked shot, while Rhoades scored his first point as a Titan at the free-throw line in the opening half.

Despite the setback, IU South Bend showed offensive efficiency, shooting 53.8 percent from the field and scoring 36 points in the paint. 

The Titans will be back on the court on Tuesday, battling at Bethel at 7:00 pm.
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