EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana men's basketball team soared to an early first half lead before cruising to an 80-63 victory over Ohio Dominican University Friday night at the Physical Activities Center. USI starts the year with a win for the 24th straight time.
The Screaming Eagles flew out to a 15-2 lead in the first five minutes of the contest and never looked back. USI extended the first half margin to as many as 25 points before going into the locker room with a 44-21 lead.
The Eagles continued to add to its lead after halftime by pushing the margin to 26 points in the opening minutes of the second half. The Panthers tried to chip away at the deficit, but would get no closer than 17 points on four different occasions, including the 80-63 final.
USI had three players reach double-digits in the scoring column with senior guard #C.J. Trotter# (Hopkinsville, Kentucky) leading the way with 17 points. Trotter was followed by junior guard
Brandon Hogg (Edwardsville, Illinois), who tied a career-best with 12 points and set a career-high with eight rebounds, and senior center
Mohamed Ntumba (Kinshasa, Congo), who had a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Senior guard
Kevin Gant (Indianapolis, Indiana) narrowly missed a double-double of his own, recording nine points and eight assists.
Overall, the Eagles outrebounded the Panthers, 48-34, and held a 23-13 advantage on the offensive boards. USI also forced ODU into 19 turnovers.
The Eagles continue their fast start to the season Sunday at 1 p.m. when they host King College. The Tornados, who were 24-6 a year ago, open their season Saturday at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
