Trojans slip past ISU Sycamores, 68-64

HONOLULU, HI (12-21-2004) – The Indiana State Sycamores fell to the USC Trojans, 68-64, in the first round of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic on Tuesday (Dec. 21). The Sycamores trailed by 20 points at halftime (41-21), but cut the lead to five (60-55) when Logan Whitman knocked down a three-point shot with 3:46 left to play. The Sycamores would draw no closer despite having numerous attempts to cut the lead even further.

Indiana State finished the game shooting .321 (17-of-53) from the floor, largely due to a dismal first half which saw the Trees shoot just 4-of-26 (.154). The Trojans, meanwhile, finished the game shooting .414 from the floor, after shooting .516 in the first half.

Eric Gray led the Sycamores with 13 points, while Amani Daanish tallied ten points and seven rebounds. David Moss posted 11 points for the Trees, while Jerod Adler hauled in a career-best 11 rebounds. The Sycamores were without the services of point guard Tyson Schnitker who was ill. Gabriel Moore, starting in place of Schnitker, finished with nine points and four assists in 27 minutes.

Gabriel Pruitt led the Trojans with 16 points, while Gregg Guenther came off the bench and recorded a double-double, scoring 14 points and hauling in ten rebounds. USC forced 20 ISU turnovers and recorded five blocked shots in the game.

ISU will face Clemson on Wednesday (Dec. 22) in the consolation bracket. Tip-off between the Tigers and Sycamores is set for 1:30 p.m. HT. USA-365.com provides live Internet audio streaming with Brian Fritz providing the play-by-play and Jim Waugh with the color commentary. The pre-game show starts Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 5:15 p.m., CST (6:15 p.m., EST) with the tip-off set for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., CST (6:30 p.m., EST) on www.USA-365.com.

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