EVANSVILLE, Ind. -
The second-ranked University of Southern Indiana mens basketball team
bounced back from its first loss of the season and defeated Drury
University, 76-64, Saturday afternoon
at the Physical Activities Center. USI rises to 11-1 overall and 3-1 in
the GLVC, while Drury falls to 8-5, 2-3 GLVC.
The Screaming Eagles, who led from start-to-finish, jumped out in front
early with a 5-0 lead and methodically extended the margin to as many as
11 points twice during the opening half. USI sophomore guard
Ben Jones (Robinson, Illinois), who tied a season-high with 11 points in the contest, led the way with nine points
during the opening 20 minutes by hitting four-of-four from the field, including a three-point field goal.
In the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Eagles offense exploded
on a 31-8 run to take a commanding 71-40 lead. USI senior guard
Brandon Hogg (Edwardsville, Illinois) led the Eagles offensive surge by scoring 11 of his game-high 17 points
during the run.
The 31-point lead would be all that the USI defense would lead need as the Eagles settled for the 76-64 win.
Overall, USI shot 56.4 percent (31-55) in the contest and 60 percent
(15-25) during the second half. The Eagles were a blistering 81.8
percent (9-11) from the field in the opening five minutes of the second
half and the first half of the 31-8 run.
USI also won the battle of the boards by out rebounding Drury, 36-32.
Hogg directed the Eagles control of the boards with a game-high seven
rebounds.
The Eagles, who finished the four-game homestand 3-1, go on the road for
the next two games in the GLVC. USI will make its first trip to William
Jewell College, located in Liberty, Missouri, Thursday for a 7:30 pm
contest before concluding the road swing
at Rockhurst University January 14 at 3:15 pm
The squad returns to the friendly surroundings of the PAC January 16
when Kentucky Wesleyan College makes the trip across the river for a
7:30 pm showdown.
Courtesy: USI Sports Information