by CLEVELAND, Ohio– Cleveland State (17-6, 13-3) never trailed against IUPUI (2-21, 0-12)–a team that had just six players active Saturday afternoon.
They ran away with a convincing 83-45 win over the Jaguars, ending the regular season with a 14-3 record playing inside the Wolstein Center.
Seniors D’Moi Hodge and Torrey Patton paced the Viking offense during the win, pouring in 19 and 17 points. Broc Finstuen had 10 points off the bench along with 8 points each from Yahell Hill and Deante Johnson.
The Jaguars stayed close for a few minutes to start the game. It was only a matter of time until the Vikings ran away with it following the turnovers forced and fresh legs. After getting within two–11-9 with 12 minutes remaining in the first half–that’s when the Vikings kicked it up a notch.
A series of 3-pointers coupled with a few highlight dunks from guys like D’Moi Hodge and Tre Gomillion sparked the Vikings. Even Jason Woodrich ended the first half with a bang, sinking a half-court shot to put his team up 46-17 at halftime.
The Jaguars got outscored 35-9 in the final 12 minutes of the first half, making just six shots from the floor while turning the ball over 14 times.
Cleveland State had 14 assists on 19 made field goals in the first half, something they’ve been excelling at this season. In fact, the Vikings entered Saturday afternoon’s game 12th in the country with 17 assists per game–best in the Horizon League as well.
With 15 minutes remaining in the second half, IUPUI had more turnovers (20) than points scored (18). The game was dominated by the Vikings, forcing the Jaguars to 24 turnovers Saturday afternoon.
Cleveland State’s largest lead was 49 points after Broc Finstuen’s 3-pointer put Cleveland State ahead 75-26 with 8:48 left in the second half.
For the senior class, the Vikings honored and recognized 13 seniors. Seventy-three of the team’s 83 points were scored by seniors and as a team, they had 24 assists on 31 made baskets.
Next up: The Vikings will take the road for a five-game stretch to close out the regular season, first is a matchup against Fort Wayne on Feb 14.
