Feb. 23, 2008

Fort Wayne, IN-Although IPFW had five Mastodons in double figures, they couldn't contain the IUPUI duo of George Hill and Gary Patterson.  The pair torched IPFW for 30 and 27, respectively, as the Jags downed the `Dons in overtime.  IPFW suffered their second loss to IUPUI this season, 88-81.

IPFW started out shaky offensively, turning the ball over four times in the first three minutes of play.  IUPUI reaped the benefits of IPFW's early errors, going up 2-11 with 16:18 remaining in the first.

Senior DeWitt Scott began to chip away at the IUPUI lead, draining his first of four three-pointers at the 15:55 mark.  Scott converted another three-point play just minutes later, sinking three free throws after being fouled by Hill beyond the arch, bringing the `Dons within three, 16-13.

With seven minutes to play in the half, Chris Perkins was hacked driving hard to the basket, but was able to make the play.  He sunk the free throw to earn the three-point play and give the `Dons their first lead of the afternoon, 25-22.

Although the `Dons continued to battle, a string of six missed shots late in the first half allowed IUPUI to go into the break up by 7, 40-33.

The `Dons were forced to play catch up in the second half, down by as many as 10 points at one point.  With twelve minutes to play, IPFW found their rhythm, fueled by a lineup of junior David Carson and four seniors:  Demetrius Johnson, Jaraun Burrows, Perkins, and Scott.  It was only fitting that on 'Senior Night' it was this group of athletes that was able to battle back, tying the game, 71-71 at the end of regulation.

IPFW and IUPUI traded baskets in a thrilling overtime, with three lead changes and five ties.  With 52 seconds remaining in overtime, Patterson buried a three to put IUPUI up, 84-81 and the `Dons were unable to recover.  Three subsequent turnovers by IPFW sealed the win for IUPUI, 88-81.

IUPUI was led by Hill who recorded a double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds; he also added 4 assists.  Patterson scored 27, while Austin Montgomery tallied 17.

IPFW had five Mastodons in double figures.  They were led by Carson who was 8-13 from the floor, connecting for 23 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.

Scott sank 4 triples, elevating his career total to 203 threes.  He finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds.

Johnson had 12 points, while contributing a team-high 7 assists to the IPFW effort.

Fellow seniors Burrows and Perkins rounded out those scoring in double figures with 13 and 10 respectively.  Burrows pulled down 6 boards as well.

IPFW will travel to Kansas City, MO on Thursday, February 28 to take on UMKC in Summit League play.  Tip off is 8:00PM ET.