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Indiana University South Bend

Hedgepeth with the ball
72
Winner Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB 1-1, 0-0
70
Bethel (IN) BU 0-1, 0-0
Winner
Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB
1-1, 0-0
72
Final
70
Bethel (IN) BU
0-1, 0-0
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB 35 37 72
Bethel (IN) BU 37 33 70

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Late Rally Lifts IU South Bend Past Bethel for First Win of the Season

MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- IU South Bend delivered a thrilling finish Tuesday night, using a 9-0 run in the final two minutes to stun crosstown rival Bethel University, 72-70, on the road. The comeback victory gave the Titans their first win of the 2026-27 season and snapped a lengthy drought against the Pilots.

The Titans (1-1) spent much of the night playing from behind but never allowed Bethel to build a comfortable advantage. Despite leading for just 1:33 of game time, IU South Bend stayed within striking distance throughout, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Bethel jumped ahead early, but the Titans responded with an aggressive offensive approach, working inside to keep the margin narrow. IU South Bend briefly grabbed a three-point advantage midway through the first half before the Pilots regained control. The Titans continued to battle, and a steal by Zion Rhoades led to a Mark White Jr. layup with eight seconds remaining, giving IUSB a 35-34 lead. However, Bethel answered with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to take a 37-35 advantage into the break.

The second half followed a similar script, with Bethel maintaining a narrow lead while the Titans continued to chip away. A three-pointer from Andrew Hedgepeth cut the deficit to 52-51 near the midway point. The Pilots responded with timely baskets, eventually building their largest lead of the night at 64-55 with under six minutes remaining.

IU South Bend refused to go away.

Trailing 69-63 with just over two minutes remaining, the Titans put together their most important stretch of the night. Chris Hurt started the rally with a driving shot in the paint and converted the ensuing free throw for a three-point play. The Titans then tightened up defensively, forcing turnovers and limiting Bethel's opportunities.

With 40 seconds remaining, Hurt came away with a crucial steal, setting up an AJ Dunn layup to tie the game at 69-69. After another defensive stop, Hurt stepped to the free-throw line and knocked down the go-ahead attempt with 11 seconds left, giving IUSB its first lead since the closing seconds of the opening half.

The Titans forced another turnover on Bethel's ensuing possession, and CJ Hornbeak calmly buried two free throws to extend the lead to 72-69. The Pilots managed one final point at the line but could not connect on a last-second three-point attempt, sealing the comeback victory for IU South Bend.

Hurt led the way with an impressive all-around performance, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists while shooting 7-of-11 from the field. His energy on both ends proved instrumental in the late rally.

Dunn and Soenksen each added 13 points, with Soenksen narrowly missing a double-double after pulling down nine rebounds, including five offensive boards. White and Saxton Hoepker chipped in eight points apiece, while Hedgepeth contributed seven points and two steals.

Despite shooting just 29.4 percent from beyond the arc and 47.8 percent at the free-throw line, the Titans made up the difference with defensive pressure and ball security. IU South Bend committed just eight turnovers while forcing 17 from Bethel, converting those opportunities into a 23-10 advantage in points off turnovers. The Titans also controlled the interior scoring battle, outscoring the Pilots 44-34 in the paint.

The victory marked IU South Bend's first win over Bethel since 2010 and the first against the Pilots under head coach Scott Cooper, giving the Titans an early-season boost as they continue their non-conference schedule.

The Titans are back in action at the Drury Inn Classic at Aquinas College, beginning on Friday against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods at 3:00 pm.
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