Jalen Jackson's explosive performance leads Purdue Fort Wayne to victory over Robert Morris

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, on December 11, 2024, the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons triumphed over the IU Indianapolis Jaguars in a closely contested basketball game, winning 78-76. Rasheed Bello was the standout performer for the Mastodons, contributing significantly with 18 points and five rebounds, which played a crucial role in securing the win. The Mastodons, with a record of 7-4 and 2-1 in the Horizon League, demonstrated their strength at home, where they have won all four of their games this season. Meanwhile, the Jaguars fell to 4-7, with a 1-2 record in conference play, indicating that they are struggling to find their rhythm this season. In this game, Quinton Morton-Robertson also made a notable impact, matching Bello’s 18 points while adding three steals to his tally. Jalen Jackson contributed 16 points and seven assists, showcasing the overall offensive capabilities of the Mastodons. The Jaguars were led by Sean Craig, who delivered an impressive performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Zilinskas also shone for IU Indianapolis, finishing with 20 points, indicating that the Jaguars had solid individual efforts despite the loss. Jarvis Walker added 17 points, four assists, and two steals, underscoring the competitive spirit of both teams. The match was characterized by high stakes, being their first encounter in the conference play this season. The Mastodons had been particularly efficient on home turf, aiming to maintain their unbeaten home record. On the other hand, the Jaguars were looking to recover from their previous disappointing outing, wherein Zilinskas scored 24 points in a narrow 66-64 defeat against the Northern Kentucky Norse. Given these circumstances, the matchup on Wednesday was crucial, particularly for IU Indianapolis, as they sought to improve their standings in the Horizon League after a rocky start. The game dynamic was stirred by fluctuating momentum, with both teams trading leads at different intervals. Ultimately, the Mastodons executed their game plan effectively, capitalizing on key moments down the stretch to fend off the Jaguars. With their balanced offensive attack and strong defensive plays, Purdue Fort Wayne managed to secure a vital victory that will bolster their confidence moving forward, while IU Indianapolis is left to ponder their strategy as they aim to turn their season around in the upcoming games.