INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Survive and advance. That’s the theme during this time of year in TBT play. And, that’s exactly what Assembly Ball did in Sunday’s 68-55 win over Men of Mackey. It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t have to be and the IU basketball alumni team are on to the Round of 16.
After an offensive explosion on Friday, it was a much different game as the IU and Purdue alumni went head-to-head inside Hinkle Fieldhouse. Both teams were coming off of very good shooting nights in their openers but it was anything but in game two as the teams combined for 5-of-30 from three in the first half. Men of Mackey was 0-of-14 before making its first of the game.
With perimeter play struggling, it was a physical style of play from a handful of Assembly Ball’s roster that led to a massive discrepancy at the free throw line — a 17-point advantage in favor of Assembly Ball. Assembly Ball was 19-of-28 from the foul line while Men of Mackey was 2-of-4.
Much like its first-round game, Assembly Ball slowly began to flex its muscles heading into halftime, taking a 10-point lead into the break. After a bit of a sloppy start to the third quarter, the lead was pushed out to 17 points. But, like Friday night, a lack of concentration let Men of Mackey back into the game, cutting the lead to as little as eight.
Despite all of that, it was rebounding and physical play that led Assembly Ball through.
Julian Gamble once again led the front court production, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Yogi Ferrell — who had 27 points in the opener — struggled a bit with his shot but was still able to hit some key shots throughout the second half to keep momentum in Assembly Ball’s favor. He finished with 13 points on 4-of-13 from the field, with five rebounds and four assists.
Kristian Doolittle led Assembly Ball with 14 points and seven rebounds while Keith Hornsby added 12 points. Former IU basketball forward Juwan Morgan dealt with an elbow injury he suffered at the end of the first quarter — limiting him to just a few second-half minutes.
After participating in the NBA Summer League, Miller Kopp joined Assembly Ball on Sunday and had seven points off the bench in the second half.
Assembly Ball heads to the Round of 16 and the Butler Regional Final on Tuesday against Eberlein Drive at 7:00 pm ET on FS1.
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