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Box Score 2 WYOMING, Mich. – The IU Columbus men's basketball team continued to make early-season noise over the weekend, splitting a pair of tight road contests in Michigan. The Crimson Pride opened the trip Friday night with a thrilling 77-74 victory at Kuyper College before narrowly falling 79-77 to Grace Christian University on Saturday afternoon.
With Friday's win, IU Columbus (2-1) already matched its win total from last season — a testament to the team's offseason growth and new-found balance on both ends
Photo Taken by Olivia Embry
of the floor.
Friday, Oct. 31 – IU Columbus 77, Kuyper College 74
The Crimson Pride overcame a six-point halftime deficit to rally past Kuyper, fueled by a dominant second-half performance from Jermayn Baxter. The junior guard torched the Cougars for 32 points on 15-of-22 shooting, adding five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in one of the most efficient outings of his IU Columbus career.
Owen Law added 17 points, knocking down three triples, while Deylon Johnson provided a spark off the bench with 12 points and four rebounds. Trevin Lieck anchored the inside presence with six boards and seven points.
After shooting just 32% in the first half, IU Columbus came out firing after the break, connecting on nearly 56% from the field and 50% from three-point range. The Crimson Pride also capitalized on Kuyper's 28 turnovers, turning them into 31 points, which proved to be the difference in the game.
The win marked a statement early in the season, as IU Columbus displayed poise, toughness, and improved scoring depth in a pressure-filled finish.
Saturday, Nov. 1 – Grace Christian 79, IU Columbus 77
Less than 24 hours later, the Crimson Pride found themselves in another nail-biter — this time ending in heartbreak. IU Columbus battled Grace Christian down to the wire, but a last-second-buzzer-beater by the Tigers handed IUC their first loss of the season.
Owen Law led the way with a season-high 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting, continuing his hot streak from Friday night. Trevin Lieck followed with 12 points and six rebounds, and Damontae Thompson posted a near triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. Deylon Johnson added 11 points, while Derald Blackmon contributed six off the bench.
IU Columbus shot an impressive 52.5% from the field, scoring 56 points in the paint and out-rebounding Grace Christian 37-31. However, costly turnovers and a late scoring run by the Tigers sealed the narrow defeat.
Grace Christian was led by Aiden Burns with 20 points and Brayden Gable and Louie McCloud, who each added 14.
Next Up: IU Columbus continues its road stretch with four straight away games before returning to their home court. The men's basketball team tip-off next on Tuesday (Nov. 4) at Simmons College in Louisville, Kentucky. The game is set to start at 7:00 PM.
