UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball team returned from break to host Indiana University-Northwest in a nonconference contest Sunday at the James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena.
The Cardinals jumped out in front early and the result was never in doubt as SVSU cruised to a 92-68 win. The victory pushes SVSU to 9-3 overall as the Cardinals are set to return to conference play this week. The Cardinals are 3-1 in the GLIAC this season.
NOTE: The contest was an exhibition for Indiana-Northwest.
How it Happened:
- James Toohey hit a 3-pointer to give SVSU a 12-6 lead under five minutes into the game.
- Long-range buckets from Delano Smith and Freddie McIntosh midway through the first half put the Cardinals up 30-21.
- The lead ballooned to 18 points for SVSU after a 3-pointer from Alijah Harrison with 4:10 before the break.
- Maurice Barnett threw down a dunk early in the second half and SVSU stretched its advantage to 57-34.
- The Cardinal bench was able to see some action in the closing minutes of the game, including Brian Booker scoring six points for SVSU in the final three minutes.
Inside the Box Score:
- Delano Smith led the Cardinals with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, adding eight rebounds and four assists.
- Maurice Barnett also scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and gathered six rebounds.
- Tyler Witz, the reigning GLIAC Player of the Week, scored 12 points.
- Jarno Pomstra scored nine points off the bench, while Freddie McIntosh added eight points.
- The Cardinals shot 35-of-65 from the field, 7-of-20 from deep, and 15-of-25 from the line.
- SVSU won the rebounding battle 43-40
- Jason Peace led the RedHawks with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Up Next:
The Cardinals travel to Lake Superior State University for a GLIAC matchup at 7:30 pm on Thursday in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. SVSI is 3-1 in the GLIAC this season.
Postgame Interview with Head Coach Randy Baruth below:
