The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team finished its regular season by defeating the Saint Joseph’s College Pumas 86-73. The win celebrated the men’s basketball program’s 100th season, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Stan Gouard is grateful to be a part of this milestone for the Greyhounds.
“I’m just proud to be part of the tradition of UIndy basketball,” Gouard said. “This is such a prestigious university that has had some really good players go through the program, and I’m blessed to be a part of such a great tradition. I’m really looking forward to my future here.”
Even with the win against the Pumas, Gouard said the team still needs to work on some things prior to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
“Our defense was an issue. Our offense was pretty efficient on our offensive end. Our defense just needs to get better,” he said. “After looking at a game like tonight … free throws are always an issue, and especially going down the stretch in some conference play. If I could pinpoint anything [we need to work on] right now, it would be rebounding, our defense and our free throws.”
Despite the Pumas scoring the first basket, UIndy came back and secured the lead for rest of the game to earn the victory. The biggest point margin between the two teams was 15 points at 62-47 with 12:20 left in the second half, and again at 86-71 with 33 seconds left in the second half.
Junior forward/center Ernest Maize had a double-double in the win, with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Also with double-digit points was senior guard Lucas Barker with 14, senior guard Jordan Loyd with 13 and sophomore guard Eric Davidson with 11.
Previously, the Greyhounds beat the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Feb. 20 to earn a bye in the first round of the GLVC tournament, which Loyd said that it will benefit the team.
“We have a lot of guys with tired legs, and being able to scout out our opponent for that long and also get some rest [during the break, will be beneficial],” Loyd said. “I’m looking forward to the game. I think it’s good [we have the bye]. After this game, I think it’s good to get some rest and get a break and look forward for next week…. It’s a new season [in the postseason], that’s what we say. We’re just looking forward for whoever comes in front of us, and we just look at it as a good challenge. We’re just ready to make some noise in the postseason.”
Gouard is happy with his team’s wins this season but is looking to make a statement in the postseason.
“We had a great crowd tonight despite the weather. We’re really happy and thankful for the people that showed up for our last home game,” Gouard said. “The new season starts next week, and I hope our guys understand what’s at stake and that they don’t take this season for granted. It’s my job, as their coach, to get these guys ready for postseason play. I’m just really proud with the fact that we’re able to come out here with 20 wins in our regular season. And now [we are] going towards the postseason. Hopefully, we’re getting better and rejuvenating ourselves to get ready for postseason play.”
The next game for the Greyhounds will be the quarterfinals of the GLVC Tournament on March 4 in Saint Charles, Mo. where the Hounds will take on Lewis University.
