INDIANAPOLIS – Despite a sluggish start offensively, the UIndy Greyhounds took care of business in a resounding 106-81 victory over visiting Governors State Saturday afternoon in Nicoson Hall.

The Jaguars (2-17), who are competing in their first season in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), were no match for a Greyhound squad that set season highs in points, field goals (42) and field goal percentage (.545).

UIndy (8-2) also used its superior size to rack up a remarkable 66 points in the paint, to go along with 50 rebounds and nine blocks.

All 11 Greyhounds who hit the court Saturday scored, led by Sophomore Eric Davidson's 24 points on a sharp 6-for-10 effort from long range.

It took some time for the UIndy offense to click following the lengthy holiday break, however, as the Hounds started a mere 1 for 13 from the field. Both sides struggled to hit shots, in fact, combining to go 11 of 49 and settling for an 18-18 draw heading into the under-8 media timeout.

That's when UIndy flipped the switch, reeling off a 31-15 burst while scoring on 14 of 19 possessions over the final 7:26 to take a 49-33 halftime lead.

"With the long layoff we knew we were going to be somewhat sluggish," Head Coach Stan Gouard said, following the victory. "[Early in the game] we really fell off the wagon in terms of things we wanted to do that we prepared for all week. But I'm really happy with our energy."

Although GSU and UIndy finished the half with 11 and 10 turnovers, respectively, the Hounds were able to better capitalize on their opponent's mistakes, totaling an 18-3 edge in points off turnovers.  

The strong close to the first half rolled into the second period for UIndy, as the team shot a blistering 66 percent (25-38) and dropped 59 points over the final 20 minutes. When all was said and done, the Hounds walked off Ray Skillman Court with a convincing 25-point decision over the Jaguars.

Several Greyhounds filled up the scoring column, as freshman Jesse Kempson (12 points) and sophomore Jabree Bond-Flournoy (10) each finished with career bests. Seniors Jordan Loyd, Lucas Barker and Tyler Rambo also recorded double-digit performances.

"Experience is a good teacher," Gouard noted, regarding the contributions from several Greyhound reserves. "At some point this season we'll have to go deep into our bench. You work hard in practice and when your number is called you answer the bell."

UIndy benefitted from superb ball movement, racking up 26 assists on its 42 field goals. Barker and Loyd each finished with five dimes, while Davidson recorded four.

"We moved the ball really well," Gouard said. "I don't think there was one selfish guy on the basketball court tonight. We shared the basketball. We got exactly what we wanted, especially down the stretch."

Junior Ernest Maize and senior Jamel Crocker each finished with eight boards to lead the Hounds. Crocker also rejected a career-high four shots.

On the other side of the ball, GSU was led by Jalen Miller's 20 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting and seven free throws. The Jaguars finished just shy of 40 percent (30-76) from the field as a team.

Gouard made note of the UIndy defensive effort as a whole, and said that will be a focal point for the Hounds heading into the conference slate.

"We've got to work on our defense. If we're going to win the [GLVC] our defense has got to get better," he said. "We've got to get out of our comfort zone. I told our guys after the game 'We've got to be comfortable in practice being uncomfortable.'"

The Hounds will return to GLVC action next week, starting the bulk of the conference slate hosting Maryville Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7:45 p.m. in Nicoson Hall. UIndy is a perfect 5-0 all-time against the Saints.