The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team started off the 2018-2019 season with two exhibition games and four games that were part of the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge.
The GLIAC/GLVC Challenge is involves teams from two conferences who play in four games before the conference season begins. The Hounds faced Northwood University, Saginaw Valley State University, Elmhurst College and Grand Valley State University, winning the three road games by at least three points and the home game by 31.
Their first win of the season was in an exhibition game against Valparaiso University with a score of 60-57. They suffered their first loss in another exhibition game against Ball State University 92-76. Redshirt junior guard Jimmy King said that they learned a lot from these two games and are ready to take on their upcoming opponents.
“We found out a little bit about our team through these games, and found out some things we need to work on,” King said. “I think we’ve worked hard at correcting some things in practice and hopefully it proves to be good in our next game.”
King was out last season with a major injury. After going through two hip arthroscopy surgeries in 2017, he is healthy and ready to play once again.
“It is so awesome to be back, especially sitting out last year and having to watch practice and watch games,” King said. “It helped me learn a lot about the game from sitting with the coaches.”
Senior forward Jesse Kempson said he believes that the team is strong with both offense and defense this year. He said this year’s team has a wide variety in their players and returners on the team who have seen significant minutes over past seasons.
“We have a lot of good players. Our defense and offense are good,” Kempson said. “Of course, there is stuff to always work on, obviously. We might need to buy in a little more when things get tough, and to just stick to our principles like our coaches are always telling us to do.”
The team is starting off the season with and average of 83.3 points per game and a 4-0 record after the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge. They will host the Greyhound Classic over Thanksgiving Weekend.
