The Evansville Purples Aces had been doing quite well in non-conference play as they had compiled a (11-2 Overall, 1-0 MVC) record coming into this game. They had an RPI of 69 and had just beaten Northern Iowa (RPI #12) in their first conference game. Indiana State though was ranked 263 in the RPI, and was (5-8, 1-0 MVC) coming into this home game. They know they need to do incredibly well as a mid-major now that conference play has started.
They did quite well in this contest as they over performed any previous expectations. They were led by Senior Forward Jake Kitchell. Kitchell had 21 points to lead the Sycamores in this game, shooting 8-13 from the floor, and going 4-4 from the line. It was a double-double for him as he also added 11 rebounds. He also made one of the most important plays in the game as he did a tip-in with 1:40 left in the game to tie it at 70 all, which would be the final made shot before overtime.
Evansville just could not get anything going in the extra five minutes. They made 5-10 costless throws but nothing from the floor. Jaylon Moore went 0-4 from the costless throw line during that time. Devonte Brown score 4 in the final period with Brenton Scott adding three more, with Kitchell having the other two to get the Sycamores the upset victory in this contest.
Next up for the Sycamores (6-8, 2-0 MVC) is to stay at home and face the Missouri State Bears (8-6, 2-0 MVC) on Wednesday, January 7th. Evansville (11-3, 1-1 MVC) will return home to face the Loyola (IL) Ramblers (11-2, 1-0 MVC) also on Wednesday night.