Campbellsville University closed the Mid-South Conference Challenge Saturday night at the Frankfort Civic Center with an 89-44 victory over NAIA Division II team Indiana University Wesleyan.
"We don't want too many of these games on the schedule, but it gives you a chance to work on everything outside of a practice setting, and it gives everyone a chance to play," said CU head coach Keith Adkins. "It's a good win. They are a better team than the stat sheet and score shows. They're going through a little bit of turmoil right now."
IUN was playing without head coach Pete Trgovich II and players Jesse Howell and Pete Trgovich III, who are ranked No. 2 and No. 5, respectively, in NAIA Division II for scoring. Trgovich II and Howell were sitting out after both being ejected on double technical fouls Friday.
Campbellsville opened the game with a 3-pointer showcase in the first half, hitting 12-of-27 beyond the arc. Jordan Benock led the way with a career-high 17 points and five 3-pointers, while Shawn Savage had three treys to help give CU a 48-33 lead at the break.
"Jordan and Shawn set the tone early with some made jumpers and stretched it out quick and never let it become a game," Adkins said.
CU finished with 17 baskets beyond the arc on 40 attempts after Adkins turned the game into a practice session.
"We were on a pace to shoot 50 or 60 at one point, but during a timeout I told my guys enough was enough," Adkins said.
Campbellsville focused on its zone defense in the game, keeping the IUN Redawks to 11 points on 4-of-26 shooting in the second half. The Tigers also showed good control through the game, sending IUN to the free thrown only once and turning the ball over seven times.
The Tigers were led in scoring for the game by Caleb Harris, who scored 23 and had three steals in his first game back from a three-game suspension for a team rules violation.
"He picked up right where he left off before his three-game suspension. I'm not just talking about scoring, but the number of shots. He's not going to back down from any shots. There's not a shot out there that scares him," Adkins said.
Walt Robinson led IUN with five 3-pointers and 15 points, while Adam White had 12.
CU (7-2) travels to No. 25 Olivet Nazarene University on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.
