IU East beats Ohio Christian in KIAC MBB Game of the Week

1/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

By Franklin Crist -- IU East sports information

RICHMOND, Ind. – The Trailblazers of Ohio Christian rolled into Richmond on Jan. 9 for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Game of the Week, and they were matched across the board by the host Indiana University East Red Wolves.

Richmond's own took the win to a tune of 89-63.

"I felt like we came out and did exactly what we had to do on both ends of the floor," IU East coach Mark Hester commented. "I liked our intensity, and we forced them into a lot that they didn't want to do with our pressure.

A full-court, Red Wolf press was to credit for a majority of the 16 turnovers committed by the Trailblazers.

"Our traps were good, and I think that that's where we really excel, in situations where we can utilize our length and create plays. I was pleased with that," Hester said.

In a campaign where points have sometimes been scarce for Coach Hester's squad, his Red Wolves compiled their highest scoring total in more than a month. IU East posted a field goal percentage of 60 percent, including a red-hot 52.4 percent (11 for 21) from behind the arc.

"I felt like guys did a good job of stepping in and asserting themselves offensively," Hester said. "It's what a lot of these guys have been doing for a long time. Offensively, it was one of our better showings this year."

Getting involved in the scoring was senior guard Parker Salinas (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo High School), who tallied a career-high 25 points to lead all scorers. Salinas' big day was aided by a 5-for-5 effort from behind the 3-point line.

"Parker's game has really evolved nicely, and it shows in his shot from behind the arc," Hester said. "It's given us a nice lift this year."

Senior guard Vasha Davis added a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Accuracy seemingly came from everywhere. The Red Wolves also dominated inside, scoring 42 points in the painted area compared to 22 for Ohio Christian.

"The ball movement was nice, and we did a good job getting inside and creating for others," Hester said. "Those outside shots come from good penetration in the lane. I liked how well we were moving the ball."

IU East (10-8, 4-0 KIAC) maintained a share of the KIAC Colonial Division lead.

"This was a good game for us," Hester said. "It really jump-started our guys, and moving forward into conference play, I think it is going to help tremendously. We got a little bit of momentum here, which has been really tough for us to get so far this year."

Ohio Christian fell to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in the KIAC. Marquis Jackson had 21 points for the Trailblazers.

The Red Wolves play host to Point Park University on Jan. 11 at the Richmond High School Tiernan Center. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. in the second game of a women's-men's KIAC doubleheader.

- Article by Franklin Crist

- Photo by Tia King