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Indiana University South Bend

Rebound
@jarisaphotographer
64
Winner St. Mary-Woods ST. MARY 0-1, 0-0
63
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA 1-1, 0-0
Winner
St. Mary-Woods ST. MARY
0-1, 0-0
64
Final
63
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA
1-1, 0-0
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
St. Mary-Woods ST. MARY 34 30 64
Indiana South Bend (IN) INDIANA 25 38 63

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

A Heroic Run Almost Completes Comeback

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --- IU South Bend came within seconds of pulling off a thrilling comeback Friday afternoon, but a pair of late baskets from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods spoiled the Titans' rally in a 64-63 loss to open the Drury Inn Classic, hosted by Aquinas College.

The Titans (1-2) trailed for much of the afternoon, holding the lead for just 2:16 of game time. Despite struggling to find their offensive rhythm early, IU South Bend stayed within striking distance before putting together a furious 16-2 run in the closing minutes to take control. However, a three-pointer and last-second dunk from the Pomeroys turned the game on its head.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods jumped out to an early 6-0 advantage before IU South Bend began to settle in. The Titans briefly grabbed an 11-10 lead midway through the first half behind a spark from Zion Rhoades off the bench, but the Pomeroys responded with a 14-2 run to build an 11-point cushion. Chris Hurt provided much of the offense for IUSB in the opening period, scoring 11 points to help keep the Titans within reach. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods carried a 34-25 advantage into halftime.

The Pomeroys maintained control early in the second half, pushing their advantage to as many as 12 points with just over 10 minutes remaining. IU South Bend gradually chipped away at the deficit, getting timely baskets from AJ Dunn and Andrew Hedgepeth to keep the comeback hopes alive.

Trailing 57-47 with just over seven minutes remaining, the Titans began their charge. Dunn started the push with a layup before Hedgepeth caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to pull IUSB within two at 57-55 with five minutes to play.

After Saint Mary-of-the-Woods briefly extended its lead to four, the Titans continued to battle. Dunn buried a clutch triple with 2:30 remaining to make it a one-point game before Hedgepeth connected on his third three-pointer of the rally to give IU South Bend a 61-59 advantage with 1:16 left.

A defensive stop gave the Titans another opportunity, and Hurt finished inside with 28 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 63-59, capping a 16-2 run that appeared to put IUSB in position for the win.

The Pomeroys had other plans.

A three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to cut the margin to one. After a late IU South Bend free-throw miss, SMWC delivered the decisive dunk with two seconds left to gain the 64-63 advantage. The Titans' final desperation attempt was off the mark, ending the comeback effort.

Hurt led IU South Bend with 15 points and four rebounds, while Hedgepeth delivered a strong performance off the bench with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Nine of Hedgepeth's points came during the decisive late-game rally.

Dunn added 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, scoring 11 in the second half to help fuel the comeback. Rhoades provided seven points and three rebounds off the bench, while Saxton Hoepker and Andrew Soenksen each grabbed seven rebounds.

The Titans improved their offensive efficiency after halftime, shooting 50 percent from the field and from three-point range over the final 20 minutes. However, free throws continued to be a challenge, with IU South Bend finishing 5-of-11 at the line. The Pomeroys also held a 43-36 advantage on the glass, converting 14 offensive rebounds into 25 second-chance points.

IUSB is set for another match in Grand Rapids on Saturday, facing the host squad, Aquinas College at 1:00 pm.
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