EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Interstat) — In a game that defied statistical projections and swung on a dramatic second-half surge, the Virginia Military Institute Keydets remained undefeated Friday night by erasing a halftime deficit to defeat the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 78 to 74.

The matchup at the Physical Activities Center, attended by 1,669 fans, saw the Keydets improve their early season record to 2-0, while the Screaming Eagles fell to 0-2.

The contest was a tale of two halves, with Southern Indiana controlling the opening period before Virginia Military Institute mounted a relentless comeback. The Screaming Eagles took a 37 to 30 lead into the locker room at halftime, capitalizing on a more consistent offensive rhythm. That seven-point advantage, however, would prove insufficient against a revitalized Keydet squad after the break.

Virginia Military Institute exploded for 48 points in the second half, nearly doubling their first-half output. The Keydets’ offensive efficiency overwhelmed a Southern Indiana team that could not find an answer, scoring 37 points in both halves. The Keydets’ defense tightened significantly after the intermission, stifling the Screaming Eagles’ attempts to pull away and eventually overtaking them in the final minutes to secure the four-point victory.

The final score stood in stark contrast to the pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a high-scoring 100-100 tie, while its ELO rating system gave Virginia Military Institute a 60.60 percent probability of victory. The combined total of 152 points narrowly missed the over/under line, which was set at 153.

The victory continues a strong start for Virginia Military Institute under first-year head coach, who has his team playing with confidence following a dominant 122 to 58 season-opening win over JWU Charlotte just four days prior. The loss extends a difficult opening stretch for Southern Indiana, which was coming off an 88 to 58 road loss to Butler on Wednesday.

Key performances were crucial in the Keydets’ comeback effort. Walker Andrews provided a significant spark for Virginia Military Institute, leading the charge in the second half with a series of critical baskets and defensive stops that helped swing the momentum. His efforts were complemented by a balanced team attack that found its shooting touch when it mattered most.

For Southern Indiana, the loss was a frustrating case of a promising start that slipped away. The Screaming Eagles received contributions from several players, including Ismail Habib, a 6-foot guard from Chicago, Illinois, but were unable to counter Virginia Military Institute’s second-half intensity. Ola Ajiboye, Trey Thomas, Sheridan Sharp, Braxton Jones, Devin Curtis, Steven Clay, Kaden Brown, and Cardell Bailey all saw action for the home team, but collectively could not stem the tide as the Keydets surged ahead.

The game remained tight throughout the final ten minutes, with neither team able to build a substantial lead. Virginia Military Institute finally managed to create a small cushion in the closing moments, making key free throws and getting crucial defensive rebounds to seal the hard-fought road win.

Looking ahead, Virginia Military Institute faces a quick turnaround and a significant step up in competition. The Keydets travel to face the Missouri Tigers of the Southeastern Conference on Sunday, November 9. Their schedule then softens with a series of home games, including matchups against Virginia-Lynchburg on November 12 and Jacksonville on November 15.

Southern Indiana, meanwhile, will look to secure its first victory of the young season when it hits the road to face South Dakota on Wednesday, November 12. The Screaming Eagles will then return to the Physical Activities Center for a three-game homestand, beginning with Loras on November 16, followed by Incarnate Word on November 20.

The result provides Virginia Military Institute with valuable momentum as they embark on a challenging stretch of their schedule, demonstrating an ability to win on the road and overcome adversity. For Southern Indiana, the search for consistency and a complete forty-minute performance continues after another contest that showcased potential but ultimately ended in disappointment.