Indiana State Dominates Earlham 109-37 in First Meeting Since 1927

The Indiana State men's basketball team delivered an overwhelming wire-to-wire performance on Saturday, rolling past Earlham College 109-37 at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute. The Sycamores took control from the opening tip and never relinquished momentum, eventually expanding their lead to as many as 78 points. It was an emphatic display that showcased the program's defensive intensity and offensive depth.

Indiana State set the tone early with suffocating defensive pressure, racing out to a commanding 53-9 advantage by halftime. The opening period concluded with a dramatic highlight when Martin Kaupanger sank a buzzer-beating shot from beyond half-court. The electric play energized the home crowd and sent the Sycamores into the locker room with total control of the matchup.

Kaupanger's heave formed part of an overwhelming 29-0 scoring run that bridged the end of the first half and the opening minutes of the second. Earlham found itself smothered by Indiana State's interior size and quick rotations, enduring lengthy scoring droughts while the hosts repeatedly turned defensive stops into transition layups.

Bench production powered a substantial portion of the offense, led by Duce Paschal, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Big man Alessio Calamita also delivered a double-double in the paint, registering 10 points and hauling down a game-high 14 rebounds to dominate the glass on both ends of the floor.

Sycamores guard Ian Thomas contributed efficient scoring in the backcourt, finishing with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. In total, 12 of the 14 Indiana State players who logged minutes found their way into the scoring column, with seven finishing in double digits.

Saturday's non-conference meeting was also a historic event for the two regional programs. It represented the first time Indiana State and Earlham had faced each other in men's basketball since 1927, concluding a 99-year hiatus between the collegiate institutions.

For NCAA Division III member Earlham, the game presented an uphill physical and tactical challenge against Division I athleticism and length. The Quakers struggled to create separation against Indiana State's switching defense, though the contest provided valuable early-season experience against a high-caliber opponent before returning to their regular conference schedule.

For the Sycamores, the runaway victory offered coaching staff an ideal scenario to test rotational combinations and build chemistry among second-unit players. The extended playing time gave younger contributors game experience while keeping starters fresh for more demanding matchups on the horizon.

Indiana State will look to channel the offensive rhythm and defensive execution from Saturday into its upcoming non-conference slate. As competition levels rise in the weeks ahead, the Sycamores aim to establish consistent team identity and perimeter execution as the college basketball season hits its stride.