Men’s basketball takes 95-65 win in exhibition game

D.J. Balentine scored a game-high 20 points to lead the University of Evansville men’s basketball team to a 95-65 exhibition victory over Wabash on Saturday afternoon at the Ford Center.

“We had some really good moments and some not so good moments, but we had some really good stretches of play,” UE head coach Marty Simmons said.  “Our guys will recognize our weaknesses and get better.  Overall, it was a good day and we need to take the good things away from it and get ready for next weekend.”

“Our best basketball came when we played fast and shared the ball,” Simmons added.  “That is what we need to focus on moving forward.”

Balentine was the top scorer in the game, notching 20 points on a 9-of-17 day from the field.  He also dished out a game-high 8 assists.  He was one of five double-digit scorers.  Joining him were Adam Wing, Mislav Brzoja, Blake Simmons and Egidijus Mockevicius.  Wing was next up for UE, notching his points on an efficient 8-of-10 effort.

Brzoja hit a pair of 3-pointers to finish with 13 while Simmons and Mockevicius chipped in 11 apiece.  Mockevicius also hauled in 12 rebounds, all on the defensive end.  In his first action with UE, freshman Harris Brown posted eight points and hit all three of his attempts.

“This was a good test for us,” Balentine said.  “We need to see where we need to get better.  It was also cool to get the assist on Harris’ first bucket.  Our strategy was to get it to him on the break.  The crowd really wanted to see him score.”

The Purple Aces finished the game shooting 58.3% from the floor, including 61.5% in the second half.  Five 3-pointers also found the bottom of the net for UE.  The Aces also recorded 25 assists on 35 made baskets.

Wabash was led by Evan Frank’s 17-point effort.  He hit seven shots on 15 tries.  He also led the Little Giants with seven rebounds.  Johnny Jager also hit double figures, finishing the day with 13.

Evansville scored the first eight points of the game and never looked back, taking a 17-point lead to the locker room at the half as they led 48-31.  Balentine posted 14 in the period.  Wing had ten in the stanza, hitting five out of his six attempts, excelling from mid-range.

“I feel the most comfortable when I shoot from mid-range,” Wing said.  “The coaches told me to play on my strengths and that is what I tried to do today.”

In the second half, the Aces continued to add to the lead before a free throw by Christian Benzon in the final minute gave the Aces their largest lead and would mark the final of 95-65.

On November 15, Evansville will open up the regular season against Southeast Missouri State at the Ford Center.  Tip is set for 2 p.m.