Box score
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- In a game in which the loser would be eliminated from Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament consideration, the Greyhound men's basketball team responded with a 71-68 win over Bellarmine at Nicoson Hall on Thursday night. DeAndre Brock and Justin Barnard made sure that UIndy's slim hopes at postseason play remained alive, scoring 25 and 18 points, respectively, in the victory.
Brock got the Hounds out to a fast start, pouring in 11 quick points in the game's opening five-and-a-half minutes, nine coming on three straight possessions to force a BU timeout. UIndy eventually stretched its lead to as many as 14 with Brock hitting his third triple in the first half for a 33-19 Greyhound advantage. Bellarmine (12-14, 8-10 GLVC) then closed out the half by scoring 17 of the next 19 points to overtake the Hounds and take its first lead into the locker room, 36-35.
While Brock owned the first half for the Hounds with 14 points, Justin Barnard took over in the second frame, scoring 14 of his own, including a pair of huge three-pointers in leading the charge. With the score tied 56-all, Barnard hit his second big triple of the half, knocking it down from the left wing. He followed with a pair of jumpers to stake the Hounds to a 63-59 margin with 2:13 to play.
The Knights got within a single point on three different occasions, but a Braxton Mills layup and four free throw makes from Brock helped ice the game. Mills finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Barnard added nine rebounds as well for the Hounds.
Brandon Clifford had 20 points and seven boards to lead BU. Matt Otte contributed seven rebounds and two steals for the Knights.
Despite the win, Saint Joseph's win over Northern Kentucky coupled with Rockhurst's win over Southern Indiana later officially eliminated the Hounds from a tournament berth. UIndy (13-12, 9-9 GLVC) will close out its season on Saturday night against Northern Kentucky for "Pack the House" night and the annual alumni chili supper. The game will be televised on the UIndy Television Network. Click here for more info. The men's game is slated for a 7:30 p.m. tip at Nicoson Hall.
Notes: The game was delayed for nearly an hour as Bellarmine was stuck in traffic heading up to Indianapolis from Louisville ... Brock and Barnard combined to go 6-for-11 from long range while the rest of the team went 0-for-8 combined ... Thursday's game marked the sixth time that Brock has hit four triples in a game this season.
