HENDERSON, Nev. - Indiana State picked up its first win in the Ball Dawgs Classic in Henderson, Nev. (just outside Las Vegas) on Tuesday, defeating Rice 101-88, fueled by career days from sophomore Robbie Avila and junior Masen Miller.

Avila broke two personal records in the victory over Rice. Avila broke his career high of 22 points from last season with a 27-point night and surpassed his assist record with eight, previously a high of four. Avila flirted with a triple-double with a final stat line of 27-8-8, adding a block and a steal while not turning the ball over.

Both Miller and Ryan Conwell each finished with 15 points, Conwell adding four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Jayson Kent recorded 13 points and six rebounds. Xavier Bledson chipped in 10 points, converting 6-for-6 from the foul stripe.

The Owls scored the first basket of the game and led or held the game to a tie through the first six minutes. Miller provided the huge momentum swing making his first five shots, all from three-point land. Before Miller entered the game, the Sycamores were up 19-18 just inside the 12-minute mark.

Miller electrified the ISU offense in the first half coming off the bench, driving the Sycamores' lead to 21 points at the break, 55-34. This marks the most points in a half since Feb. 2 of the 2022-23 season, when ISU scored 59 points against Murray State.

ISU crossed the 100-point mark late in the game off a lay-in by Kent. Despite the Owls' offensive effort, the Sycamores never allowed their lead to sit below 16 points until just outside the last minute of the game. 

News & Notes

• Coach Josh Schertz has opened each of his first three season at the helm of ISU basketball with three wins in the first four games. In the 2021-22 season, ISU opened 3-1; in 2022-23, ISU won the first five games of the season; this season, ISU stands 3-1 after beating Rice.
• Robbie Avila recorded a career-high 27 points and a career-high eight assists.
• Masen Miller's five triples shattered his previous high of two.
• Jayson Kent has finished in double figures in all four games this season.
• ISU had five players finish with 10+ points for the first time since March of last season. This marks the third-straight game that at least four players have scored 10+ points.
• The last time Indiana State recorded a 100-point game was North Dakota State in November 2021 (against a D-I opponent) when the Sycamores topped NDSU 101-75 last season.

Up Next
Indiana State continues with game two-of-three in the Ball Dawgs Classic tomorrow, Nov. 22 in a matchup against Pepperdine University. The Sycamores and Waves tip off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The game can be viewed through a FloHoops subscription or listening for free on 105.5 The Legend.

Single Game and Season Tickets Still on Sale
Those seeking more information on single game and season tickets can call 877-ISU-TIXS or email ISU-Tickets@indstate.edu. Fans can also buy season tickets online by clicking HERE. The season features 14 home games and away games in Las Vegas, Nev. for the Ball Dawgs Classic (Nov. 21-24), at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Dec. 15 vs. Ball State), and Dec. 30 at Michigan State.

Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on the Sycamore men's basketball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.