Men’s basketball battles tough season schedule
Senior Tyke Cockerham (5) takes the ball up the court in the last minutes of the game against University of Taylor-Ft. Wayne at Nicoson Hall Nov. 15. Cockerham had a game high three assists in the hound’s loss.
By Crystal Abrell | Opinion Editor
The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team kicked off their season against three of the top 10 teams in Division II men’s basketball with a 1-2 record thus far.
The ‘Hounds lost to Hillsdale College 55-75 on Nov. 23 to gain their second loss of the season
UIndy’s only lead occurred near the beginning of the first half when senior Donald Cloutier scored a three-pointer to put the ‘Hounds up 3-2. Senior Kevin Radcliff led UIndy with 12 points with senior Tristan Rogers contribution 10 points.
“We just need to learn from our mistakes. We know what we need to do, we just need to do it,” said senior Braxton Mills.
The Greyhounds traveled to Findlay, Ohio to play Findlay University Oilers on Nov. 18. The Oilers have been a seven-time contender in the NCAA tournament. The ‘Hounds fell to Findlay 66-77. UIndy held Findlay’s Josh Bostic, Division II Player of the Year, to six points and two rebounds.
“Our strengths are the hard work the guys put in and our ability to perform and work better when we are pressed,” said head coach Stan Gouard. “The team is also strong in our bench. The weaknesses we have that we need to work on is our rebounding and defense.”
Gouard said that the scheduling is tough and the league the ‘Hounds are playing in is competitive.
“Sometimes it is tough with me coming in late, and some of our games are already played out for us. But I feel it is good thing to play good teams,” Gouard said. “It prepares us for a tough GLVC conference and in order to be the best you have to beat the best. Every game is a building block to get to where we want to be.”
UIndy began their season against University of Taylor-Fort Wayne Falcons, and defeated them 104-65 on Nov. 15. In the season opener, six separate players scored in the double figures; senior Jordan Barnard was the top scorer with 16 points.
UIndy has had a great “bench” mark to start their season. A total of 57 points off the bench in the game verses the Falcons led to the victory.
“We expect to win every game when we step out on the basketball court,” Gouard said. We have some really good kids with promising futures. Captains have done a good job on and off the basketball court in pushing our team.”
