Exhibition Take Aways

Some Good, Some Bad and Some Shorthanded

(St. Louis, MO) – Final dress rehearsals are taking place for college basketball teams and last night was filled with exhibition games. The results were some good, some bad and some shorthanded. Valparaiso and Indiana State are playing without their full complement of players while other teams seem ready to go.

Some Good MVC

Drake, Illinois State, Indiana State, Bradley, Morehead State, UT Martin and Austin Peay won easily.

Illinois State defeated Davenport 85-59 behind an electric performance by Antonio Reeves. The 6’4 guard went 10 for 18 from the floor and made all eight of his free-throws on his way to a 34 point performance. Newcomer Mark Freeman added a double-double with 11 points and ten assists.

Drake was an easy (96-49) winner over Drury. Four Bulldogs reached double figures with Okay Djamgouz leading the way with 16 points. Top recruit Tucker DeVries played 19 minutes, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds and handing out four assists.

Bradley’s 29-point win over Illinois Springfield saw four Braves reach double figures. Second-year forward Rienk Mast scored 18 points while junior college transfer Malevy Leons scored 15 and grabbed seven rebounds. Newcomer Terry Roberts handed out seven assists.

Xavier Bledson led shorthanded Indiana State to a convincing win (82-60) over Rose-Hulman. The Lincoln-Memorial transfer netted 15 points, hauled in six rebounds and distributed nine assists. The first game back from injury for Kailex Stephens was a success. The 6’7 forward played 33 minutes and scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds. This was Josh Schertz’s ISU debut.

During a narrow win (74-64), Evansville Shamar Givance led the Aces with 16 points, six boards and four assists. Jawaun Newton was not expected to play, but logged 12 minutes for UE. Newcomer Blaise Beauchamp scored 15 points and the Purple Aces made 12 of 24 three-point attempts.

Some Good OVC

Tray Hollowell connected on five three-pointers and scored 18 points during Morehead State’s 46-point win over Kentucky State. Johni Broome added eight points and 13 rebounds. Ta’Lon Cooper handed out six assists. MSU connected on 15 of 28 shots from long distance.

Six Governors scored ten or more points during Austin Peay’s 92-63 win over Life University. Cameron Copeland led APSU with 18 points and eight rebounds. Caleb Stone-Carrawell (11 points) led the team with five assists. This was Nate James’ head coaching debut.

Ryan Ridder’s head coaching debut for UT Martin was a success. The Skyhawks blasted Bethel 87-58. Mikel Henderson led the way with 16 points, while Koby Jeffries’ double-double (10 points and ten rebounds) led the team to a whopping 64 team rebounds.

Some Bad

Valparaiso and Southern Illinois Edwardsville lost. Valpo is winless during two exhibition contests. There were good performances during those disappointing contests.

Valpo forward Thomas Kithier recorded a double-double (10 points/16 rebounds) while sophomore Sheldon Edwards followed up his 32 point performance by dropping 19 points on Flagler. Winona State transfer Kevion Taylor added 15 points and eight rebounds.

Sixteen turnovers were the Beacons’ undoing.

Despite dropping a one point decision to Quincy, Cougar fans were encouraged to see local star Ray’Sean Taylor in uniform. After missing all of last season with a knee injury, the Collinsville High graduate began his collegiate career with a double-double. Taylor scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Cougars made less than 19% from deep and committed more turnovers (14) than assists (12).

Some Shorthanded

Indiana State and Valparaiso are struggling to put players on the floor. Arguably both are without their best players. Valpo’s Ben Krikke played four minutes during the team’s first exhibition game and did not dress on Thursday. His ankle injury makes him questionable for Tuesday’s opening game.

Kobe King, Connor Barrett, Keyondre Young and Cam Palesse did not play last night.

Sycamore star Tyreke Key has reinsured his often injured right (shooting shoulder) and sat out last night. Key’s season is in doubt and is undergoing tests and evaluations. Simon Wilbar, Quimari Peterson, Micah Thomas and Cameron Henry all missed Thursday’s game. Injuries and suspensions are hindering Josh Schertz’s rotation.

Do Good