Second Half Run Propels IUPUI Past IPFW, 78-74

Saturday, January 8

Fort Wayne, Ind.

2:00 p.m.

Purdue Fort Wayne

IUPUI

Jeremy Mixon scores two of his team-high 19 vs. IUPUI

Second Half Run Propels IUPUI Past IPFW, 78-74

1/8/2011 5:20:17 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score | Photo Gallery

Fort Wayne, IN - The IUPUI Jaguars used a 19-7 run midway through the second half to roar back and beat IPFW, 78-74 on Saturday afternoon at the Memorial Coliseum. The loss was the Mastodons' first in Summit League play this year (5-1) and dropped the 'Dons to 10-5 on the season.

The contest was a tale of two halves. IPFW came out on fire in the opening stanza. Junior guard Jeremy Mixon came off the bench to score 17 points in the half as IPFW hit seven of its first 12 three-pointers, while shooting a scorching 67.9% from the floor.

However, as well as IPFW shot in the first half, IUPUI hung around. The Jaguars worked the offensive glass and got 15 first half markers from junior guard/forward Alex Young, including a long-distance triple at the buzzer to trail by just nine at 47-39. The Mastodons had led by as many as 16 in the period.

In the second half, after a Ben Botts 3-pointer, IUPUI went on their game-changing run. The Jags got jumpers from Young and senior guard Leroy Nobles, and inside baskets by junior forward Christian Siakam to draw to within two at 64-62.

The comeback was completed when Young hit a three-ball and was fouled on the play. He sank the free throw to give IUPUI the lead at 66-64, with 8:44 left.

Trailing 72-68, IPFW would get to within two on a layup by sophomore guard Frank Gaines, but the ball would bounce the way of the Jaguars on the next possession. Sophomore guard Sean Esposito came into the game for IUPUI and found himself alone in the corner. His 3-point attempt drew the back of the iron, bounced off the top of the backboard twice and dropped through the hoop to give IUPUI a five-point cushion at 75-70 at the 1:54 mark.

The Mastodons made one final push. A pair of Botts' free throws and a layin by junior forward Trey McCorkle make it 75-74. IUPUI junior guard Stephen Thomas was fouled but missed the front end of a one-and-one. McCorkle grabbed the rebound and the 'Dons pushed the ball up the floor with :22 left looking for the win. But it would be Thomas making the defensive play of the game that sealed the win for the Jags. As IPFW set up their final play, Thomas jumped a gap, anticipating a pass, stole the basketball and was intentionally fouled. He hit three of the four free-throws for the win.

IUPUI (9-9, 3-2 SL) scored 16 second chance points off of 16 offensive rebounds and made 16-22 free throws in the game. They were led in scoring by Young with 24, Siakam with 20 and Nobles with 18. Siakam also had 11 rebounds (seven offensive) for a double-double.

IPFW was led in scoring by Mixon with 19 points. Botts added 18, including four triples and McCorkle was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards.

The Mastodons will now step out of conference to host SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday night at the Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. The 'Dons dropped the Cougars, 70-55 in the season opener this year at SIUE. IPFW returns to league play on Saturday evening (1/15), hosting Oakland at 7:00 p.m.

~Dons~