Box Score

Columbus, Ind. — The IU Columbus men's basketball team opened its season in dominant fashion Tuesday afternoon, rolling past East-West University 107–73 at Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark. The Crimson Pride controlled the game from start to finish, shooting over 51% from the field and placing five players in double figures.

IU Columbus came out hot in the first half, building a 47–31 lead behind strong defensive energy and crisp ball movement. The Crimson Pride kept their foot on the gas after halftime, pouring in 60 points over the final 20 minutes to secure the 34-point victory.

Damontae Thompson led the way with 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals while shooting an efficient 7-for-12 from the floor. Trevin Lieck was a force inside, scoring 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds. Deylon Johnson filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six boards, and five assists, while Jermayn Baxter added 11 points and five rebounds. Off the bench, Derald Blackmon provided a spark with 12 points and six rebounds, and Shauntex Cain matched his energy, tallying 10 points and eight rebounds on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting day.

IU Columbus' depth shined as the bench contributed 52 points, outscoring East-West's reserves 31–42. The Crimson Pride also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the visitors 49–42, and recorded 16 assists while forcing 23 turnovers.

With the win, the Crimson Pride improve to 1-0 on the season, and look to carry that momentum into their next match-up.

Next Up: IU Columbus hits the road to face Kuyper College on Friday (Oct. 31). Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.