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INDIANAPOLIS - After defeating the IUPUI's women's team in a sudden death 3-point contest, the men's scrimmage went down to the wire as well as well on Tuesday night (Oct. 25). The teams traded leads for most of the second half, but the Red squad prevailed over the White, 55-52, fueled by Ron Patterson's go-ahead three in the final minute.
 
Both teams were able to score effectively in the open floor, and emphasized getting out in transition whenever possible. The up-tempo style meant the shot clocks could be thrown out on this evening as shots went up roughly every 14 seconds. Associate Head Coach Matt Crenshaw said that using their athleticism to their advantage was something the Jaguars wanted to focus on going into the season.
 
"We want to play faster, so obviously that comes on both ends of the floor. Not just offensively, but defensively we have to play more aggressive," Crenshaw said, "we don't have everything in defensively, but we want to press, get in the passing lanes, and play with tempo offensively. We want to try to score upwards of 70 points per game, so obviously it comes on both ends of the floor and trying to get extra possessions."
 
One player that pushed the tempo for the Red team was Kellon Thomas. The senior transfer from Kent State made his Jaguar debut, and led the Red team with 18 points. A native of Indianapolis, Thomas was thrilled to be able to play where he grew up.
 
"It felt great. It's been a long time coming, and it's been the first time in a long time that my family could come out and see me for something like this. It felt good to actually play at home and actually be a part of this team."
 
Thomas was the primary ball handler for the red team, which was a bit of a different role than what he played at Kent State. He's embraced the role, and feels like the team is beginning to come together on the court.
 
"This might be the first year that I've played pretty much strictly point guard, and I really like that we have a lot of pieces," Thomas said. "The chemistry has been great because we have everybody at different positions that can produce."
 
Senior Darell Combs led the White team with 18 points, and Josh James contributed 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and eight rebounds. Combs tied the game at 52 all on an ill-advised three-point attempt in the final minute before Patterson matched him at the other end. The white team missed a pair of desperation treys in the closing seconds before the final horn sounded. 

Matt O'Leary and Patterson each had 10 points for the red team, and Evan Hall had nine.

"I liked what I saw tonight from both sides," Head Coach Jason Gardner said. "I think we're different that what we were last year in that we have some different pieces and we can mix-and-match some different lineups. That versatility can help us be pretty good. 

"Tonight was a good start and I'm thankful that we had a lot of people come out and support both the programs."
 
The Jaguars are back in action on November 4th for an exhibition against St. Joseph's (Ind.). That game will be at 7:00 p.m. at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.