JagBytes

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Matt Spector The Jags overcame a slow start to beat IUSB 96-61 n The Jungle Monday Night. The game was the season opener for the Jaguars.

"It is going to be fun, it will be all basketball and we are just taking the basketball family. We are going to bond and win some games. There is no one in that whole state who has heard of IUPUI and we are looking forward to representing the university that way," Coach Ron Hunter said of the team's upcoming Alaska trip.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Byron Clark, business manager, speaking about game volume as well as seating changes for this year.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez The Jag Band playing during the beginning of the game.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Billy Fletcher, ticket collector, speaking about this year's turnout.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez At the end of halftime, IUPUI scores and the crowd and band react.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Members of the IUPUI Dance Team talk about why they love to support the Jaguars. Go Jags!

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Members of the IUPUI Jag Band talking about their experiences and expectations for the upcoming season.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Listen to sounds from the game and fans cheering the players on.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Two visiting Purdue students talk about their experiences at the IUPUI game.

Media Credit: Virdi Auger-Velez Two IUPUI cheerleaders on the atmoshpere of the game and school spirit.

IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter knew this could be a trap game, which is why the coach wasted no time benching his five starters in the beginning of IUPUI's 96-61 victory over IU South Bend Monday night in The Jungle.

IUPUI got off to a sluggish start and were down 6-4 less than four minutes into the game. Hunter subbed in five different players during the timeout.

"It doesn't matter who you play, you got to be ready to play," Hunter said. "Our bench and freshman came in and gave us a big boost, got us going and our starters came back ready to play."

The Jaguars were able to regroup and took the lead for good with a 3-pointer from junior Gary Patterson with less than nine minutes to play in the first half. Patterson scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half, hitting five of six 3-pointers.

"I was feeling good and in a good rhythm," Patterson said. "My teammates found me and I was able to knock them down."

The Jaguars were able to pull away in part because of a balanced attack. Four starters scored in the double figures, led by sophomore Jon Avery with 21 points. George Hill added 17 points and Austin Montgomery scored 11.

IU South Bend was able to keep the game close during the first ten minutes of the game. But IUPUI pulled away and led 50-32 at halftime and by as many as 41 during the second half.

It was easy to see why the Jags might have overlooked the Titans. The Jaguars were just coming off a hard-fought loss to No. 11 Marquette, and the team leaves Wednesday for the Top of the World Classic in Alaska. The players, however, were not ready to use that as an excuse.

"We are a mature team and he [Coach Hunter] expects us to be ready from the jump ball," Patterson said. "He was just trying to send us a message."

The Jaguars dominated the Titans on the boards as well, out-rebounding them 55-29 and scoring 21 second chance points while allowing IU South Bend only two.

"We pride ourselves on being a good rebounding team," Hunter said. "We are not the biggest team but we are athletic. If we continue to do that we will be okay."

IUPUI leaves Wednesday morning for Alaska-a trip Hunter says will be all business.

"It is going to be fun, it will be all basketball and we are just taking the basketball family," Hunter said. "We are going to bond and win some games. There is no one in that whole state who has heard of IUPUI and we are looking forward to representing the university that way."

IUPUI starts the tournament Friday playing Portland State.

Click here for 2007-08 Jaguar mens basketball team roster and schedule

Click here for 2007-2008 Jaguar womens basketball team roster and schedule

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