Box Score

BARBOURVILLE - IU Columbus faced a challenging 92-64 defeat at Union Commonwealth on Tuesday afternoon. The Crimson Pride struggled to find their offensive rhythm, shooting 36.8% from the field despite showing moments of promise from beyond the arc.

The offense was led by Deante Luster, who contributed 20 points on efficient 9-17 shooting, including a solid 1-7 performance from three-point range. Bobby Wonnell provided a spark off the bench, adding 17 points while shooting an impressive 4-7 from three-point territory in just 20 minutes of play.

IU Columbus kept the game competitive early, trailing by 16 at halftime, but Union Commonwealth's rebounding advantage proved too much to overcome. The hosts dominated the glass, outrebounding the Crimson Pride 49-27, with Union's forwards consistently creating second-chance opportunities through 11 offensive rebounds.

Despite the scoring efforts of Luster and Wonnell, Union's balanced attack and efficient shooting (50.7% from the field) became difficult to counter. The hosts had multiple players score in double figures, with Allister Dixon's presence inside (8 points, 9 rebounds) and Luca Stubel 's 13-point performance off the bench leading their offensive charge.

This loss drops IU Columbus to 0-5 on the season, with the team still searching for their first victory. While the Crimson Pride showed flashes of potential, particularly from three-point range where they connected on 8 shots from deep, consistency remains a challenge as they continue their early-season schedule.

The Crimson Pride have a quick turn around, playing in the the Chick-fil-A Classic Friday and Saturday in McKenzie, Tennessee.