SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. – The IU Columbus men's basketball team faced a challenging matchup on January 8, 2025, falling to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 96-57 at the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center. Despite flashes of promise, the Crimson Pride struggled to find rhythm against a formidable opponent.

The game began with IU Columbus battling to keep pace, but offensive struggles and rebounding mismatches allowed the Pomeroys to pull away early. The Crimson Pride were outscored 45-20 in the first half, setting the stage for a tough uphill battle in the second period.

Owen Law led the charge for the Crimson Pride with 19 points, showcasing his ability to score inside and out. He shot 8-of-17 from the field, including a three-pointer, and contributed on the defensive end with consistent hustle. Ben Sylva added 10 points and a team-high 8 rebounds, while LaRenzo Hopkins was a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor, finishing with 9 points.

Despite solid individual performances, IU Columbus struggled collectively to match the offensive efficiency of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, shooting just 39.3% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc.

Rebounding proved to be a decisive factor, as SMWC dominated the glass with a 52-27 advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities. Additionally, the Crimson Pride committed 13 turnovers, compared to their opponent's 9, which the Pomeroys converted into transition points.

The Crimson Pride showed moments of grit and determination, particularly in the second half when they improved their offensive output with 37 points. 

IU Columbus will look to regroup and focus on their next contest.

With conference play ramping up, the Crimson Pride are determined to bounce back stronger in their upcoming games. 

The Crimson Prided are back in action, Saturday, at IU Kokomo. Saturday's game will be another men's-women's conference double-header. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM.