Box Score The IU Columbus men's basketball team opened their season on the road on Tuesday night at Calumet College. A strong start to the game saw the Crimson Pride move out to a double digit lead in the first half. The host Crimson Wave were able to overcome that deficit and go on to an 83-74 win. IU Columbus was missing a couple of players due to injury and other concerns, and the lack of depth may have contributed to the second half performance.

The Crimson Pride go off to a pretty good start behind a pair of 3-pointers by senior Damontae Thompson. Newcomers to the program, Joreim Lomax, Kasym Nash and Prince Anga each contributed in the first 10 minutes as the visitors led by two at 18-16. IU Columbus then outscored Calumet 11-1 over the next three minutes for a lead of 29-17. That would be the largest lead of the game for the Crimson Pride. The Crimson Pride went cold for the rest of the half, and Calumet crawled back to within three at the half as Kyrin Dock scored in the last seconds for a halftime score of 36-33. 

Baskets by Lomax and Airrion Boyd to start the second half pushed the lead back to seven at 40-33. The momentum changed hands, and Calumet was able to tie the game at 43-43 with 15:15 left. IU Columbus sophomore Eric Jackson tied the game at 48 each with 13 minutes left, but that was when the game changed for Calumet. A pair of turnovers and two missed shots by the Crimson Pride helped fuel a 10-0 run by Calumet over the next 2:23 put the Crimson Wave in control. IU Columbus got within five at 69-64 on a layup by freshman Taurus Minor with 3:17 remaining, but that was as close as the visitors would get. The final score was 83-74.

Poor shooting by IU Columbus was certainly a factor, as they connected on 45% from the field, but only 2-15 (13%) from 3-point range and 16-28 (57%) from the free throw line. They also committed 17 turnovers compared to just 8 assists. Two players reached double figures, as Lomax had 19 points and Thompson contributed 18. Calumet had four players in double figures, led by Antonio Leavy with 23.

Next on the schedule: The Crimson Pride will have their home opener on Wednesday, November 4th at Circle K Fieldhouse against Simmons College of Kentucky. Tipoff is set for 6:00 pm.