Greyhounds' fast starts send Miners to defeat

Owain Hall

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Quick starts to both halves sent the Miners to a loss Saturday, as Indianapolis handed UMR its third straight loss by the score of 84-53 at Nicoson Hall in a Great Lakes Valley Conference contest.

The Miners fell behind right out of the gate, as Indianapolis scored on its 11 of its first 14 possessions to take a 24-7 lead by the 11:32 mark. The Miners closed that gap to nine a little over two minutes later after consecutive three-point baskets by Aaron Hays, Justin Taylor and Owain Hall.

UMR was able to hang in the game during the first half thanks to its three-point shooting, as it made five-of-eight from behind the arc in the first 20 minutes. But the Greyhounds got off to a fast start to open the second half as well, putting the first 13 points on the scoreboard before Hall knocked down a three to halt the run.

The Greyhounds, who improved to 6-0 with the win and 2-0 in GLVC play, pushed the lead out even farther as the half went on.

The Miners were led by Taylor with 22 points, while Hall finished with 15. The Miners shot just 35.3 percent in the game and made eight-of-18 from three-point range. UIndy’s Justin Barnard led all scorers with 26 points as the Greyhounds made 52.4 percent of their shots.

UMR (2-4, 0-2 GLVC) will open a two-game homestand Wednesday with a 7 p.m. game against Robert Morris-Springfield, a team it beat 67-62 a week ago in St. Louis.