Indiana State wraps up a remarkable season with a heartbreaking loss in the NIT championship

Indiana State’s remarkable season came to a close with a heartbreaking loss to Seton Hall in a 79-77 match on Thursday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Despite the loss, Indiana State finishes the 2023-24 season with an impressive record of 32-7, marking the second-highest number of wins in program history. Isaiah Swope led the Sycamores with 19 points, 16 of which came in the second half. Julian Larry contributed 18 points and six assists, while Jayson Kent and Robbie Avila each added 13 points. Ryan Conwell secured 12 rebounds during the game.

Throughout the first half, Indiana State responded to Seton Hall’s runs with Kent and Larry hitting threes to tie the game at 16 eight minutes into the match. Seton Hall managed to take a 10-point lead late in the first half, but Larry’s back-to-back three-pointers ignited a Sycamores’ comeback, allowing them to enter halftime tied at 39.

Seton Hall gained momentum in the second half, building a 51-42 lead, but Indiana State fought back, tying the score at 53-all. The Sycamores then took the lead with a dunk from Kent and a three-point play from Xavier Bledson. With just over three minutes remaining, Indiana State went on an 8-0 run to take a 77-70 lead.

However, Seton Hall rallied in the final moments, scoring the last nine points of the game. Al-Amir Dawes and Dre Davis led Seton Hall’s offense, securing a two-point lead in the closing seconds. Indiana State couldn’t find the equalizer, as their season came to an end with a narrow defeat.

Dawes was named the NIT Most Outstanding Player, leading Seton Hall with 24 points, while Kadary Richmond earned All-Tournament Team honors with 21 points. Davis contributed 18 points, including the go-ahead basket.

Despite the loss, Indiana State’s season was marked by resilience and determination, showcasing their talent and potential throughout the tournament.

News and Notes

• Indiana State concluded the 2023-24 season with an impressive record of 32-7, marking a historic achievement for the program. They reached the NIT Championship Game for the first time ever and clinched the MVC Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2000.
• The 32 wins attained by Indiana State this season were the most since the 1978-79 season, when they secured 33 victories. Ryan Conwell and Robbie Avila were both recognized for their outstanding performances, earning spots on the 2024 NIT All-Tournament Team.
• Avila, who was also a First Team All-MVC selection this season, averaged 17.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game throughout the tournament. Conwell, honored as the MVC Newcomer of the Year, averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in the tournament.
• During Thursday’s game, Avila became the 42nd player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points, finishing the season with a total of 1,007 points. Despite committing 15 turnovers in the championship game, Indiana State demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the NIT.
• Isaiah Swope showcased his shooting prowess, finishing 7-for-12 from the floor with a 58.3% shooting percentage, marking his best performance since January 13 against Belmont, where he achieved a 61.5% shooting accuracy. Additionally, Ryan Conwell nearly matched his career-high in rebounds, securing 12 boards during the game.

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