‘Shooter’ energizes IUP offense
Defense does its part, as well, in first-round win
INDIANA, Pa. — Dave Morris is many things for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team. He is a senior leader, a defensive stalwart and a reliable shooter.
On Saturday, in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at Kovalchik Convention and Athletic Complex, Morris was the Crimson Hawks’ knight in shining armor. The guard from Erie, Pa., hit his first 3-pointer with 12:58 remaining in the first half, then drilled another one less than a minute later. That was a sign of things to come.
By the end of the game, Morris sank 6 of 8 attempts from deep, finishing with a game-high 22 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals in 34 minutes. In terms of offensive firepower, Morris provided everything, helping IUP to a tournament-opening win over Fayetteville State of North Carolina, 65-49, securing a spot in the second round.
“TMS, that’s his nickname. TMS: That’s My Shooter,” coach Joe Lombardi said after the game. “He’s got a great stroke, and he’s worked really hard at it over the last couple of weeks. He’s worked really hard at it, and we needed that from him.”
That’s true, because outside of Morris’ efforts, offense was hard to come by for the Hawks. As a team, they shot 41.5% from the floor. Without Morris, it was 34.9%.
The Hawks’ leading two scorers this season, guard Armoni Foster and forward Ethan Porterfield, each reached double digits, but did so on a combined 7for-23 shooting. Morris’ value was most proven in the time he was out.
With about 14 minutes remaining in the game, Morris went down with a turned ankle, an issue he has dealt with throughout the backstretch of the season. Morris’ injury came on a possession that finished with a Fayetteville State dunk, cutting IUP’s lead to 13 points.
Morris went to the medical table behind the bench, then back to the locker room. Ultimately, he was out of the game for about three-and-a-half minutes. Without Morris on the floor, Fayetteville State pulled within eight points. Then the Broncos got even closer, making it a sixpoint game after Morris came back and was still trying to get his feet underneath him.
The Broncos hung around a while longer, before Morris eventually delivered the dagger. His sixth and final 3 of the game came with 3:42 remaining and the Hawks up 10 points, sinking Fayetteville State for good.
“I knew my role coming into the season. I tell coach, I tell the guys, ‘I’ll do whatever to win,’” Morris said. “I don’t care for any self accolades or nothing. I’m just ready for when my time comes. I take pride in defense, and I put the work in, and when [Foster] gives me those looks, I’m ready for it. I just make sure I stay ready, that’s all.”
While Morris’ offense was necessary, IUP’s defense won the game. Faye t t e v i l l e State outrebounded the Hawks and took one more shot, but shot just 31.5%. IUP also forced 18 turnovers, and its 19 points off those turnovers was one of the major differences in the game, helping send the Hawks to the regional semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
“We grinded, and we fought,” Lombardi said. “That’s our M.O. That’s our identity right now. That’s our third time in the last three games playing NCAA-type teams, we’ve held teams under 32% from the field.
“The other thing we did is we didn’t turn the ball over. We only had one in the first half. You do those types of things, you’re going to give yourself a chance to win games.”
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