TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- It was a thrilling tip-off to the Indiana State Basketball season as both the men's and women's teams appeared for the first-ever March On Madness event inside the ISU Arena. Every seat was filled and it was standing room only as ISU students got introduced to the basketball teams and had a chance to win cash and prizes along the way. The event was hosted by the ISU Athletics Department, Sycamore Athletic Fund and the Student Government Association.
Luke Martin served as master of ceremonies.
As the line formed outside the ISU Arena and around the corner of the building, excitment built among the 2017-18 members of The Forest. Students were served pizza from The Bally, Copper Bar and Wise Pies while they waited and also received free popcorn. Students had the opportunity to purchase "The Forest" jerseys and Under Armour gear from Pacesetter Sports while they made their way into the ISU Arena.
Both the women's and men's teams were introduced to the crowd to begin the evening.
Then
Matt Deady,
Clayton Hughes,
Emondre Rickman and
Tyreke Key each participated in a dunk contest. The dunk contest was eventually won by
Clayton Hughes on this dunk:
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Here is another good look at Clayton's dunk from another angle.
But there were other sweet throw downs during the evening:
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There were several lucky winners in a free raffle for gift certificates to area businesses as well as a prize pack from Pacesetter Sports.
Both teams participated in a 3-point shooting display that ended with
Jordan Barnes holding off
Brenton Scott by one point for the win. Barnes was helped by a perfect 5-of-5 showing on the final rack in the right corner.
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The event ended with three ISU students being selected by a random drawing to come down to the court and try a halfcourt shot for $5,000, sponsored by Highland Quarters. The third and final attempt of the evening came very close to one lucky student earning some extra cash!
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It was a great evening and we would like to thank everyone that came out to show their support for the teams. The men's team will hold an exhibition contest inside Hulman Center on Friday, November 3 at 7 pm (ET) against Marian while the women begin their season on Sunday, November 5 when they host Illinois-Springfield at 2 pm.
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