CONWAY, S.C. – Indiana State put on a defensive clinic in the opening round of the 2021 Myrtle Beach Invitational, defeating Old Dominion 77-36 at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina.
 
Four Sycamores scored in double digits as Indiana State made its national television debut. Cameron Henry tallied his second consecutive double-double with a 17 point and 13 rebound performance while Zach Hobbs tallied 15 points off the bench. A Chesterfield, Virginia native, Henry picked up his double-double in the first half and scoring 11 and snagging 11 rebounds.
 
Both Cooper Neese and Micah Thomas added 14 points apiece, accounting for seven of Indiana State's 12 makes from behind the arch.
 
More impressive than the ISU offense was the defensive pressure for 40 minutes of action, allowing just 36 points to ODU and only four points in the paint. ISU held the Monarchs to just 21.6 percent (11-of-51) from the field and just three made baskets from distance.
 
"We came out and played with good force, the guys were terrific," head coach Josh Schertz said. "We talked before the game and I have great respect for ODU. Obviously, it wasn't their best and we know that. They were going to challenge our toughness and be physical. Our guys showed who they are and I'm really proud of this group. It was certainly less than optimal (with illness). This team has had to deal with a lot. It's only November 18 but it feels like a full year with all the injuries, suspensions and now the COVID situation. I like the fiber of this team, the competitive spirit and we talked about controlling the things we can."
 
Julian Larry chipped in six assists, five rebounds and two points, but the guard was most impressive on the defensive end, shutting down ODU's Jaylin Hunter to just 2-for-11 shooting.
 
It was all Indiana State from the start, but the tide truly turned when Larry corralled a loose ball and was able to go the length of the court for a dunk to extend the ISU lead to 10 points at 17-7 with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.
 

???? POWER DUNK! They say defense leads to offense...they might be onto something! What do you think @julian_larry214?

Watch on @ESPNU#MarchOn | #Kaizen pic.twitter.com/GnrBcKIRud

— Indiana State Basketball (@IndStBasketball) November 19, 2021

 
Overall, ISU won the rebounding battle 39-37 led by Henry with 13. Dearon Tucker finished with six rebounds, Larry with five, Hobbs with four and Kailex Stephens added three for the Sycamores. Team rebounding was key as 10 Sycamores recorded a rebound in the game.
 
"When you've got guys like (forwards) Kailex Stephens and Dearon Tucker holding off the big men, it's easy for me to fly in and just grab a board," Henry noted. "Just being sound with team defense and being together."
 
ISU held ODU without a field goal for a six-minute stretch in the first half until the Monarchs scored at the buzzer to go into the locker room. ISU cranked up the defense once again in the second half, holding OSU without a make from the field over an eight-minute stretch.
 
The Sycamores will have a quick turnaround as the team plays Oklahoma Friday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
 
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