MEN’S BASKETBALL

In a high-powered rivalry battle featuring 10 lead changes and 10 ties, the #RV Forester men’s basketball team shot 61.3% from the field in the second half to claim a signature 93–89 victory over #RV Indiana Tech Friday evening at Platt Arena on opening night of the annual Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic.

The matchup marked just the third meeting in the last 15 years between the two programs located less than 30 miles apart, with Huntington (3–1) maintaining its perfect streak in the series.

A frantic first half saw neither side gain firm control. Indiana Tech (2–2) built an early 21–15 advantage behind the perimeter shooting of Logan Beaston, but Huntington kept pace thanks to a dominant opening performance from freshman wing Keaton Lawson. Lawson erupted for 20 first-half points on 7-of-12 shooting, filling the stat sheet inside and out to help HU draw even at 43–43 heading into halftime.

Indiana Tech reasserted itself early in the second period, building a 61–56 lead following a Steele Brasfield three-pointer at the 14:21 mark. However, Huntington countered with a decisive second-half push. Miles Good sank a game-tying triple to make it 65–65, before Landon Richmond converted a jumper to give HU a 67–65 lead. Sophomore Max McComb provided a critical spark off the bench, scoring eight of his 11 points in the second half, including a clutch three-pointer with 6:01 remaining to extend Huntington’s cushion to 80–75.

Indiana Tech mounted a late rally led by Branden Northern, tying the game at 86–86 on a pair of free throws with 1:18 left. Good answered on HU’s next possession, driving for a go-ahead score with 54 seconds remaining. After a Warrior turnover, Good iced the game by sinking all five of HU’s free throws in the final 24 seconds to lock up the four-point victory.

Huntington connected on 50.8% (31-of-61) of its shots overall, 40.7% (11-of-27) from long distance, and dominated the glass 42–29. Five Foresters scored in double figures, led by Lawson’s 28 points (11-of-18 FG) and game-high 14 rebounds to secure his second double-double of the season. Good poured in 18 points and dished out three assists, while Richmond contributed 13 points and six rebounds. Cade Brenner finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals, and McComb added 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting off the bench.

Indiana Tech was led by 23 points apiece from Northern and Beaston, while Brasfield and Eric Hobson each added 12 points. Northern and Beaston tied for the team lead with five rebounds each.

UP NEXT
Huntington concludes the Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic on Saturday when they host Great Lakes Christian College at 3:00 p.m.