The University boys clinched a spot in the Pioneer Academic Athletic Conference championship game with a 67-52 win at Muncie Burris Friday night.
Sabien Cain had 26 points to lead the Trailblazers to their 10th win in 11 games and a perfect 3-0 in PAAC North play. Andre Ozlowski had 17 points and a team-high five rebounds. Kahmi Bracey was also in double figures with 13 points and had six steals.
The Blazers took two seconds to take the lead as Ozlowski controlled the opening tip to Cain who scored on a layin. University never trailed in the game and eventually stretched their lead to 18-8 when Ozlowski scored with two seconds left in the opening period. Cain had seven first quarter points with Bracey and Ozlowski tallying four each.
University led by as many as 17 in the second quarter before the Owls’ Carter Fisher rebounded a missed University foul shot and made a 70-foot shot at the halftime buzzer to cut University’s lead to 35-21. Ozlowski had seven points in the second quarter.
Two baskets each from Bracey and Ozlowski early in the third quarter gave University its largest lead of the night at 43-23. The Owls never got closer than 11 points the rest of the way.
Coach Brandon Laffterman was complimentary of his team. “I’m really happy with how we played today. I thought our first half defense was solid. Khami Bracey played well on and off the ball and got us some points tonight. It is great to get another conference win and set us for another shot at a conference title.”
The win was University’s 29th consecutive PAAC North win. University will host the PAAC South champion on Feb. 11. The Blazers are the five-time defending PAAC champions.
The Trailblazers are back in action tonight as they play their third road game of the week when they travel to Cardinal Ritter to take on the 7-4 Raiders.