Indiana State men’s basketball closed out its non-conference schedule with a tough 103-83 loss to Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State at Value City Arena on Sunday. The Sycamores fell to 8-5 on the season, while the Buckeyes improved to 9-4.
Game Recap
Indiana State started strong, with K’mani Doughty opening the scoring with a three-pointer in front of the Ohio State bench. A layup by Bruno Alocen and three free throws from Camp Wagner helped the Sycamores take an early 8-5 lead. However, the Buckeyes responded, eventually taking a 22-15 advantage midway through the first half.
The Sycamores found their rhythm with key contributions from Jaden Daughtry, who scored seven of the team’s first 15 points, and Samage Teel, who sparked a rally with 10 points in a 2 ½-minute span. Despite their efforts, Indiana State trailed 52-47 at halftime.
Ohio State came out firing in the second half, opening with a 7-2 run fueled by back-to-back dunks. The Buckeyes’ hot shooting extended their lead to 72-57 with 14:15 remaining. While the Sycamores battled back within 10 points, thanks to a Wagner three-pointer with 8:30 left, their 1-for-11 shooting stretch to close the game allowed the Buckeyes to secure the 20-point victory.
Stat Leaders
- Jaden Daughtry led the Sycamores with a career-high 25 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including 11-for-15 from the free throw line, while adding five rebounds.
- Samage Teel contributed 19 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line, while tying for the team-high with five assists.
- Camp Wagner added 13 points, connecting on three three-pointers.
- K’mani Doughty recorded 10 points on a perfect shooting performance, including 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.
- Freshman Josiah LeGree pulled down a career-high six rebounds.
News and Notes
- The Sycamores’ five-game winning streak was snapped, but they ended December with a 4-1 record.
- Indiana State has now scored 80 or more points in seven consecutive games.
- The 103 points allowed were the most given up by the Sycamores since the 2015-16 season.
- Indiana State excelled at the free throw line, making 27-of-32 attempts, a season-high in both makes and attempts.
- Daughtry’s 25 points marked his third 20-point game of the season, while his 11 made free throws set a team season high.
Up Next
The Sycamores return to Missouri Valley Conference play, hosting Bradley at Hulman Center on January 1. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. as the Sycamores look to start the new year on a winning note.
