CHICAGO - The Greg Lansing era in Indiana State basketball got off to a strong start on Friday night, as the Sycamores cruised to a win over Texas-Pan American in the opening game of the Nick Khaldis Classic on the campus of Loyola (Ill.). ISU (1-0) led by 18 at the half versus Texas Pan-American (0-1) and added to that lead to win 69-46 in the first win of the season. This win also serves as the first career win for head coach Greg Lansing.

With the victory, Indiana State has now won nine of its last 10 season openers and was the Trees first victory in a season opener away from Hulman Center since 1970 when the Sycamores won at Purdue, 84-82. Coach Lansing became the fourth consecutive Sycamore head coach to win their debut (Sherman Dillard, Royce Waltman and Kevin McKenna the others). ISU is now 74-41 in season openers.

ISU and Texas Pan-American traded buckets early in the game, until the Sycamores began to pull away through a slew of 3-point baskets. Koang Doluony, Jordan Printy, Jake Kelly, and RJ Mahurin combined for seven 3-pointers in the first half alone. Myles Walker contributed 6 points as well, giving the Sycamores a 38-20 lead at the half.

Following halftime, the Texas Pan-American Broncs opened with a 13-to-4 point run over ISU. However, the Sycamores quickly took over the remainder of the game, with nine players contributing points in the second half. ISU's defense became apparent at the 11:43 mark of the second period, as the Sycamores limited the Broncs to only free throws for the next eleven minutes of the game.

Three Sycamores scored double figures in the contest; Jordan Printy and Koang Doluony each with 11, and Jake Kelly with 10 of his own. Carl Richard also added 13 rebounds in the win. Overall it was strong shooting night for the Sycamores, as they shot 50% from both field goal (26-52) and three-point range (10-20).

Indiana State returns to action tomorrow night versus tournament-host Loyola (Ill.). Tip-off is set for 8:30 pm (ET). The game be heard live locally on ESPN Radio 92.7 FM as well as online at GoSycamores.com. The game will be streamed live for free on http://www.HorizonLeagueNetwork.tv