TERRE HAUTE — In some instances, above-average performance is considered routine. That’s not the case with Indiana State University men’s basketball.
Since Larry Bird finished his ISU career in 1979, the Sycamores have finished above .500 only five times. One of those seasons was 1979-80, when Bird’s former teammates registered a modest 16-11 record. A 17-season dryspell followed, before first-year coach Royce Waltman’s squad went 16-11. His next three teams posted winning records, too, and his 1999-2000 and 2000-01 units won Missouri Valley Conference titles and NCAA berths.
Then, another drought set in — until Tuesday night.
That’s when the current Sycamores beat MVC rival Bradley 75-69 in overtime. That victory gave ISU its 16th win of the season, guaranteeing an above-.500 record for Coach Kevin McKenna’s team. Presently, the Trees’ stand at 16-11 with three regular-season games and the MVC Tournament at St. Louis remaining. They can end up no worse than 16-15. That’s a significant accomplishment, considering Indiana State hasn’t been above water in nine years.
Even more inspiring is the Sycamores’ uphill battle to reach that plateau. During the conference portion of the season, they lost their top three scorers to injuries. The remaining eight players regrouped, and turned in strong performances. They defeated Drake convincingly on Saturday, and followed up with the thriller against Bradley.
The campus community deserves a bit of good cheer right now. ISU faces a $10.5-million cut in state funding over the next 18 months, forcing the elimination of 108 positions at the university. Such a hefty reduction is hard on morale for the staff, students and surrounding city. A revived basketball team certainly can’t erase that economic hurt, but it offers an outlet for a bit of spirit-boosting.
The Sycamores play their home finale Feb. 27 against Missouri State. A large, vocal crowd could give ISU an edge against the Bears and send the team into the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament with momentum. That would be fitting. With a downsized roster — because of those unfortunate injuries — the Sycamores have persevered, succeeded and broken a barrier. We can all take heart in their tenacity.
