Indiana State Basketball clinches conference title with Robbie Avila's career game
By Chad Winch
Indiana State men's basketball clinched a share of the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title with a resounding win over Evansville on Wednesday.
Indiana State men's basketball clinched a share of the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title with a resounding win over Evansville on Wednesday, triumphing 85-67.
Robbie Avila delivered a career-defining performance, notching a career-high 35 points on a stellar 14-for-24 shooting from the field, surpassing his previous best of 30 points. He also made his presence felt in other areas of the game, contributing eight rebounds and five assists while maintaining impressive efficiency with just one turnover in 35 minutes of play. Ryan Conwell provided valuable support with 15 points, connecting on 5-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc, along with seven rebounds and three assists.
Xavier Bledson emerged as a significant contributor off the bench, tallying 12 points in 28 minutes on 4-for-7 shooting, accompanied by three rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Isaiah Swope added 11 points, including three three-pointers, to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Julian Larry showcased his versatility with an all-around effort, chipping in eight points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
The game witnessed a closely contested start, with both teams deadlocked at 9 apiece within the first four minutes. However, Indiana State seized control with a decisive 10-0 run, highlighted by Avila's scoring prowess and Larry's adept playmaking, establishing a commanding 19-9 lead.
Despite Evansville's concerted efforts to claw back into the contest, Indiana State maintained its composure and closed out the first half strongly. Avila spearheaded a pivotal 12-4 run, showcasing his scoring versatility with seven consecutive points and leading the Sycamores to a 40-31 halftime advantage.
In the second half, Indiana State tightened its grip on the game, unleashing an 18-5 run to extinguish any hopes of an Evansville comeback. Avila continued to dominate, notching multiple and-one opportunities, while Conwell's sharpshooting from downtown further extended the Sycamores' lead to a commanding 68-50 margin with 10 minutes remaining.
The Sycamores maintained their offensive prowess down the stretch, with Avila and Conwell continuing to lead the charge. Coach Schertz eventually emptied the bench in the final minutes, allowing the team to secure a comprehensive 85-67 victory and cement their share of the regular-season title.
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Indiana State hosts Murray State on Senior Day on Sunday, March 3rd. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.