Men's Basketball Even Conference Record Following Win Over IU Columbus

COLUMBUS, In. – In their return to action following the Christmas break, the men's basketball team hit the road for the conference campaign against IU Columbus. The Bearcats walked away victorious in an 87-83 win to even their conference record at 1-1.

It was a collective team effort in this road win as the Bearcats beat the Crimson Pride on their own turf. Gonzalo Luque and John Saenz led the charge in the first half as they combined for 21 of the Bearcats' 39 points. The turnover battle turned in favor of the Bearcats who forced 12 of the 17 IUC turnovers in the first half. With the two-point lead in the ticking minutes of the first half, a turnover by the Crimson Pride led to a Linkin Lockhart three-pointer at the buzzer.

The Bearcats continued to find success in the paint where over half of their points were scored as they took the win, 87-83.

Four Bearcats were in double-digits while Luque led with 26 on 12-19 shooting. Carrieun Mathis followed with 19 points as Saenz added 17 from the bench along with five steals and seven rebounds. Damian Garcia tabbed his first double double as a Bearcat with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Bearcats will return home next Wednesday, Jan. 8^th to take on the visiting IU Kokomo Cougars at 3:30pm in the Moore Center Gym.