The University boys basketball team rode hot shooting and strong defense to a season opening 86-38 win over Indianapolis Shortridge Monday night at The U Center.
David Howard had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds as four Trailblazers scored in double figures.
University held Shortridge scoreless for 8:14 spanning the first and second quarters as the Blazers turned a 8-7 lead in to a 30-7 advantage. The Blue Devils were held to just eight field goals on the night, making 21 field goals.
The Trailblazers shot 58 percent from the floor and made 14-of-29 three pointers.
Ethan Sickels (15), Quinn Steiner (12) and Zach Hodgin (11) also reached double figures with Josh Watson adding nine points and seven rebounds.
Coach Brandon Lafferman pointed to his team’s 19 assists on 30 field goals, led by sophomore Sam Mervis who came off the bench to hand out eight assists. “I thought our ball movement was fantastic. Sam did a really good job picking up the tempo and we started to score in transition from our defensive rebounding. It was nice to see guys come off the bench and our defensive effort not fall off.”
University is next in action Wednesday night at Park Tudor as they attempt to break a 10-game losing streak to the Panthers.
Tigers fall to Lawrence Central
The Fishers boys basketball team dropped its season opener at Lawrence Central 70-38 on Tuesday.
The Bearcats led 19-5 after the first quarter, then jumped out to a 45-19 lead at halftime. Willie Jackson and Luke Hernandez both scored seven points for the Tigers, with Alex Szilagyi and Jeremy Szilagyi each making one 3-pointer.
Fishers will play its first home game of the season Tuesday, welcoming Indianapolis Manual to the Tiger Den. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Carmel edged by Zionsville
Carmel’s boys were dealt a setback in their season opener Tuesday, falling to Zionsville 68-62 in an away game.
It was a close game throughout. The Class 4A No. 4 Greyhounds led 13-11 after the first quarter, but the Eagles came back to tie the game at 29-29 by halftime. Zionsville then outscored Carmel 20-16 in the third quarter, and kept the lead in the fourth.
John Michael Mulloy started his junior season in dominating fashion. The Butler University recruit recorded a double-double of 27 points and 16 rebounds. Andrew Owens added 14 points and pulled seven rebounds. Luke Heady drained three 3-pointers on his way to 13 points and also handed out four assists. Cole Jenkins blocked two shots.
Carmel will play its next game on Dec. 1, opening Metropolitan Conference play at Lawrence Central.