PHOTOS

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology men's basketball team shocks the Anderson Ravens with a 94-91 victory to improve to just their second 3-0 start in HCAC play in the past 12 seasons.

The Ravens took a 34-19 lead with a 12-2 run halfway through the first half of action, but the Fightin' Engineers were able to continue to battle and cut the lead to five on a Joey Schmitz triple just before the end of the half to make it 48-43 at the break.

In the second half, Rose-Hulman was able to cut the lead to single-digits multiple times, but they couldn't quite get over the hump to take the lead for the first 10 minutes.

After a flagrant foul on Miles McGowen, the Ravens stretched the lead back to eight, at 67-59, but the Fightin' Engineers answered with a 10-2 run of their own to tie the game at 69 on another triple by Joey Schmitz. They then took their first lead since 3-0 with an and-one by Benny Smith with 8:17 remaining.

Anderson went on another big 12-2 run to retake a 10-point lead at 89-79 with 4:04 remaining, but once again, Rose-Hulman had the answer.

The Fightin' Engineers outscored the Ravens 15-2 in the final four minutes of action, forcing five Anderson turnovers in their final six possessions to tie the game at 91 in the final minute.

After a big offensive rebound by Miles McGowen, Rose-Hulman had one final opportunity with 2.6 seconds on the clock. The inbounds pass for Rose-Hulman was tipped right into the arms of Simon Blair who let it fly on a fall-away three in the corner to sink the game-winner and give the Fightin' Engineers the 94-91 victory.

Joey Schmitz led the team with 22 points including five long balls. He also added 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists. His five steals are the most for a Fightin' Engineer since Michael Lake in the 2019-2020 season.

Kobe Stoudemire also hit the 20 mark with 20 points and 5 assists.

Miles McGowen was a menace in the paint with 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Simon Blair and Benny Smith also hit double figures with 14 and 13.

With the win, the Fightin' Engineers improve to 5-3 overall and 3-0 in the HCAC. Rose-Hulman returns to action on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 PM for the John Mutchner Cup against the Earlham Quakers.