Preview: IU Southeast Hosts Brescia in NAIA Men’s Basketball Clash

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Interstat) — The IU Southeast Grenadiers, riding a two-game winning streak, will host the struggling Brescia Bearcats in an NAIA men’s basketball contest Tuesday night at the Activities Building.

The Grenadiers (7-4) enter the matchup following a convincing 83-65 home victory over Rio Grande on Saturday. They are led by guard Trent Hinkle, who has been a consistent offensive force. Hinkle is averaging 20.8 points over his last four games, including a 25-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist performance in a win at Saint Mary of the Woods on Jan. 6.

Brescia (1-10) seeks to halt a five-game skid, most recently a 92-72 home loss to Midway on Saturday. The Bearcats’ lone win this season came against Saint Mary of the Woods on Dec. 16.

A key matchup will feature Brescia’s Israel Momodu against IU Southeast’s Hinkle. Momodu, coming off a 20-point effort against Midway, has shown scoring versatility, posting 22 points and four blocks in the Bearcats’ sole victory. His production will be critical for an offense averaging 74.5 points per game.

IU Southeast boasts a more balanced and potent attack, averaging 76.5 points. Beyond Hinkle, Ethan Haddaway recorded a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) in the win over Rio Grande.

The Grenadiers have found success at home this season, while Brescia is 0-6 in true road games. History from this season offers a mixed view: both teams have played Saint Mary of the Woods, with IU Southeast winning on the road and Brescia winning at home.

Tuesday’s game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the River States Conference foes. They will meet again in Owensboro, Kentucky, on Feb. 17.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.