Crusaders tip ISU Sycamores 59-53

VALPARAISO, IN (12-6-2003) - The Indiana State men’s basketball team dropped a 59-53 decision to the Valparaiso Crusaders on Monday (Dec. 8). The Sycamores struggled to find their shooting touch as they finished the game 19-of-57 (.333) from the field, and 12-of-20 (.600) from the free throw line.

Jerod Adler (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central HS) made one of two free throws with 6:07 left in the game to move ISU to within one point of VU (44-43). Joaquim Gomes went on to score the Crusaders’ next twelve points, but ISU stayed close, trailing by three (56-53) after a layup by Marcus Howard (Elgin, Ill.) with 1:32 remaining. Late in the game the Trees were unable to draw any closer, as Valparaiso salted away the win at the free throw line.

The game was close throughout the first half, as the largest lead was a six point bulge in favor of the Crusaders. With time running down in the opening stanza, ISU used an 8-3 run, capped by a Howard three-pointer, to pull within one point (26-25) headed into halftime.

David Moss (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) led the Sycamores with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Amani Daanish (Los Angeles, Calif./Cowley CC) scored ten points and hauled in seven boards. Howard finished with nine points, four rebounds, and two steals. The Sycamores’ bench provided a lift, outscoring the Crusaders’ bench 24-12.

Valparaiso was led by Gomes’ 19 points and twelve rebounds, while Dan Oppland finished with 16 points and six rebounds. The Crusaders finished the game 22-of-54 (.407) from the floor and 11-15 (.733) from the free throw line.

The Sycamores fall to 2-3 on the season, while Valparaiso improves to 2-3. The Sycamores return to action on Saturday (Dec. 13) when they host Ball State University. Tip-off is set for 6:05 p.m., CST at Hulman Center. The game will be televised in the Terre Haute area on WTWO-Channel 2. The entire Sycamores' 2003-2004 men's basketball season will be carried live via Internet Audio streaming on USA-365.com. Brian Fritz calls the play-by-play and Jim Waugh provides the color commentary. Saturday's pregame show starts at 5:40 p.m. and the tip-off is at 6:05 p.m., CST / 7:05 p.m., EST.

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