FORT WAYNE – It was the Southern Utah offense that supposedly came in with more balance than a gymnast on a beam; four guys with double-digit averages, and another at 9.3.
That was the challenge for IPFW if the Mastodons were to avoid their fourth consecutive loss Tuesday at Memorial Coliseum.
But instead, it was IPFW that spread the wealth, shared the basketball and attacked the other team from every conceivable angle in rolling to a 79-58 rout.
The win not only put a chokehold on a three-game losing streak, it also ended a winning streak of three games for Southern Utah.
Led by 6-foot-10 center Trey McCorkle’s 18 points, four IPFW players scored in double figures, and the Mastodons bench outscored the Thunderbirds’ reserves 40-10.
“I thought everybody came in and made a positive contribution,” IPFW coach Tony Jasick said.
And from McCorkle: “We all played well. Everyone off the bench played well. I thought the effort and energy was there. I’m happy with how everyone played.”
So let’s go around the horn with the introductions. Step forward when your name is called.
McCorkle had the 18, but 12 came in the first half when IPFW (8-6, 2-2 Summit League) was trying to keep its head above water.
Frank Gaines, the team’s leading scorer with a 20.3 average, had 12 points and 8 rebounds, even though he battled foul trouble most of the night.
And now, the bench.
Mike Kibiloski had 11 points that included three three-point shots.
Mario Hines had 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Guards Justin Jordan had nine points and Isaiah McCray had eight points, five rebounds and a jolt of energy, particularly in the first half as IPFW went from an 11-8 lead to 20-12.
Although the final margin was 21, it was a three-point affair five minutes into the second half when the Thunderbirds (7-7, 2-2) got within 42-39.
Three quick points from Gaines, a three-pointer from Kibiloski, a driving layup from Jordan and Jason Smeathers’ dunk following a steal shot the lead to 52-43.
As welcome as the offensive balance was, it was the overall defensive effort that especially pleased the Mastodons’ coach.
In the previous three games, Jasick had watched the Mastodons give up 84, 94 and 81 points.
The 58 points allowed Tuesday was the best defensive showing in a conference game since Western Illinois scored 55 against the Mastodons this time last season.
“Our main points of emphasis over the last week have been defensive urgency, defensive concentration, and I thought (Tuesday) we came out and did that,” Jasick said.
