Box Score

INDIANAPOLIS - In what marked the first NCAA Division I basketball game of the 2024-25 season, IU Columbus competed and ultimately dropped a 100-44 decision to IU Indianapolis in front of 3,716 fans at Monday morning's NCAA 'Readers Become Leaders' game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

The Crimson Pride faced immediate pressure from the newly rebranded Jaguars, who connected on three-pointers on their first two possessions before a steal and layup pushed the lead to 8-0, forcing an early IU Columbus timeout. The deficit continued to grow as IU Indy extended their advantage to 19-4 by the 12:16 mark of the first half, and a subsequent 12-0 run made it 35-8.

Owen Law led the Crimson Pride's offensive effort with 13 points, including three makes from beyond the arc. Damontae Thompson added 10 points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, while Gavin Dowling contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds in a team-high 30 minutes.

IU Columbus faced significant challenges on both ends of the floor, shooting just 31% (18-of-58) from the field and 21.1% (4-of-19) from three-point range. The Jaguars dominated the rebounding battle 64-27, converting 25 offensive rebounds into 28 second-chance points.

The hosts took advantage of 16 Crimson Pride turnovers to score 25 points while limiting IU Columbus to just seven points off turnovers. The rebounding disparity led to IU Indy attempting 23 more shots than the visitors.

The Crimson Pride will have a quick turnaround as they return to action tomorrow (Nov. 5), traveling to Union College as part of a men's and women's basketball doubleheader. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm.