COLUMBUS, Ind. – In a thrilling showdown at Circle K Fieldhouse, the IU Columbus Crimson Pride overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to earn their first conference victory of the season, stunning IU Southeast 90-88. A dominant second-half performance fueled by Owen Law's 28-point explosion, including a clutch go-ahead basket in the final seconds, propelled IU Columbus to the dramatic win.
The Crimson Pride found themselves in an early hole as IU Southeast controlled the pace, shooting 48.4% from the field and capitalizing on IU Columbus's defensive lapses. By halftime, the visitors had built a commanding 50-34 lead, leaving IU Columbus searching for answers. Despite solid contributions from Damontae Thompson and Ben Sylva, the offense struggled to keep pace with the Grenadiers' efficient attack.
Determined to flip the script, IU Columbus came out firing in the second half, led by an offensive explosion from Law, who knocked down six three-pointers en route to a game-high 28 points. Nathan Pickett also made his presence felt from beyond the arc, hitting four threes as the Crimson Pride chipped away at the deficit.
The defensive intensity also ramped up, holding IU Southeast to just 38 second-half points. Key stops down the stretch, including a clutch steal by Deylon Johnson and strong rebounding efforts, allowed IU Columbus to take control in the final minutes.
With the game in reach in the closing moments, IU Columbus put the ball in the hands of their hottest shooter. Law delivered, sinking a tough go-ahead three-pointer to give the Crimson Pride a 90-88 lead. IU Southeast had one final chance, but a contested shot at the buzzer missed its mark, sealing the Crimson Pride's first conference win of the season in front of an electrified home crowd.
IU Columbus shot an impressive 63.2% from the field, including 54.2% from beyond the arc, while limiting turnovers in the second half to fuel the comeback.
The Crimson Pride go out on a high note, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the inaugural season. This hard-fought victory not only capped off a season filled with perseverance but also set the tone for the program's future.
"The men's basketball coaches and players never quit all season long, and their perseverance and determination finally paid off tonight," said Athletic Director Zach McClellan. "This win is a testament to their hard work and belief in themselves."
McClellan also praised the Crimson Pride Cheer & Dance team: "Pati Lara and the cheer and dance teams at IU Columbus are the most improved teams on campus. We look forward to seeing them in the spring sports!"
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