INDIANAPOLIS – In the first-ever meeting between crosstown rivals, the University of Indianapolis football team came up on the short end of a 28-22 final versus host Marian University Saturday night. Despite trailing by 15 at halftime, the 23rd-ranked Greyhounds (1-1) cut it to two in the fourth quarter before a late touchdown by the Knights made it a two-score game with just two minutes to go.

After mustering just 88 yards of offense and a pair of Brad Schickel field goals in the first half, the Hounds ran off 13 unanswered points after the break. The rally started with a 12-play, 60-yard drive that featured seven rush attempts by sophomore Tuwan Payton. The New Albany, Ind., native capped the possession with an eight-yard touchdown run for his first score of the year.
 
UIndy struck again in the fourth quarter, this time on a nine-yard scamper by junior running back Andrew Walker with under five minutes to go. The drive featured three receptions from freshman Malik Higgins as well as a 27-yard catch by sophomore Alex Kimack that set up the score.
 
Walker's TD made it 21-19 Knights, making the two-point try the preferred choice, but Barthel's throw to Nate Deno in the back of the end zone was incomplete, keeping the deficit at two.
 
The No. 1-ranked team in the NAIA, Marian answered with a quick touchdown drive of its own, breaking an eight-possession scoring drought. Junior Jakhari Gore broke free for a 33-yard score, making it a nine-point game with just 2:16 to go.
 
With the clock winding down, the Hounds advanced the ball to the red zone but a 4th & long ushered Schickel on the field for his third field goal of the night with only a minute remaining. The Knights would recover the ensuing onside kick and earn a 1st down to seal it.
 
Senior quarterback Connor Barthel finished 25 for 43 for 246 yards. Walker and Payton combined for 112 yards rushing, Higgins racked up seven catches for 86, while Reece Horn and Kimack amassed six receptions apiece. Junior Derrick Bryant led the defense with 11 tackles, followed closely by Rob Dury's 10 stops.
 
Stepping in for injured corner Josh Bass, sophomore Mike Hamilton garnered his first career interception with a third-quarter pick.
 
The Greyhounds officially begin defense of their GLVC crown when they host Southwest Baptist in the conference opener next weekend. Kickoff from Key Stadium is set for Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
 
 
Note: Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard was on hand for the coin toss along with both school's athletic directors.