University of Evansville

PurplePulse

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

* Sesquicentennial Oval to Close at 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 4

In observance of activities associated with Winter on Walnut, the Sesquicentennial Oval will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4. Please ensure vehicles are parked in another campus location during that time.

Submitted by University Communications
 
* Qdoba Accepting AceBucks

The Qdoba location in Lincoln Commons is now accepting Ace Bucks as of Friday, November 22.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 

Upcoming Events

* SAA Book Club December gathering

Wednesday Dec 18th 12noon to 1pm in the Phillips Alcove/Multicultural lounge on the 2nd floor of Ridgway.

Come join us for the Holiday edition of Book Club. We will be discussing Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris. This is a compilation of short stories. We will also be having our favorite Used Book swap again. Bring a used or thrifted book wrapped up and we will have an exchange. Everyone will leave with a "new to them" book!. Email ks6@evansville.edu with any questions.

Submitted by Kathy Taylor ks6@evansville.edu
 
* Ceramics Holiday Sale

The Ceramics Holiday Sale returns on Wednesday 12/11, Thursday 12/12, and Friday 12/13 in the Melvin Peterson Gallery.  The sale is open each day from noon until 6:00 p.m.

Come by to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art for yourself or for gift giving.

Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.

Submitted by Carol McCraney cm177@evansville.edu
 
* Library IDEA Loft reception

Join us for an opening reception of the IDEA Loft (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access)! This space was created to provide campus and community resources for all students, especially those who are LGBTQ+, people of color, first generation and international students, as well as those who live with a disability.

When: Thursday December 5, 3:00-5:00pm

Where: IDEA Loft, 2nd floor of the library above the info desk

What: Tour the space, talk to library staff, and enjoy some cookies

Submitted by Kristen Strandberg ks532@evansville.edu
 
* Adam Sandler Day and UE Fun & Games

The Epic Highs and Lows of Adam Sandler Day (aka watching The Longest Yard in our comfy clothes while eating snacks) will occur on Thursday, December 5, at noon, in Library 462. Also at Adam Sandler Day, we'll be playing UE Fun & Games-- here's a quick recap. (THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 3!)   UE Fun & Games! This year's competition is: "THE 'INATOR CREATOR" (think Dr. Doofenshmirtz). You must create an "inator" that fixes a problem in your life (or the lives of characters you invent). As always, it's a completely open prompt: it can be fiction, speculative nonfiction, poetry, or you can actually build a machine that you bring in and give a presentation on. We've had people pull off entire plays before. The title you will receive as The 'Inator Creator is THE NEMESIS. Remember, there is only ONE "nemesis" for ALL TIME at UE, which makes this a very prestigious award. Your name will hang on a plaque outside my door for the rest of time, and of course, I will present you with awards the day of the movie. I would like to, as we do every year, honor everyone who plays by giving quick readings or explanations of the 'Inators before the movie.    To Enter This Semester's UE Fun & Games Competition, please send an email to:   UE.funandgames@gmail.com by MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 1st.    Please email me if you have any questions

Submitted by Katie Mullins kd60@evansville.edu
 
* Reading at Bluestocking Books, 6 PM December 5

Professor Katie Mullins and novelist Mark Rigney will be hosting a round-table discussion on writing, creativity, and the projects they've been working on on Thursday, December 5th at 6PM. The format is a lot like "Actors on Actors," and it allows for a lot of exploration both within the writers and audience.

Submitted by Katie Mullins kd60@evansville.edu
 
* Paper Recycling and Free Document Shredding

Need papers shredded? Bring them to the free Piranha Mobile Shredding Event on campus on Thursday, December 5 (Reading Study Day) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot behind Koch Center.

 Remember: Paper that contains personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. cannot be placed directly into a recycling bin or trash container. It must be properly disposed of by one of the following methods:

 1)    Shredding the papers with personal information into a bag and then placing the bag of shredded paper in the recycling container.

 2)    Placing the papers with personal information in a secure (locked) Piranha shredding container in your area.

 Thank you for recycling and helping us prevent identity theft by properly disposing of personal information!

 During the free shredding event, you can bring paper from home! The limit is 100 lbs. per visit. Visits are unlimited during the event.

Submitted by Amber Elkins ae152@evansville.edu
 
* Pancake Study Break Coming Up

The Pancake Study Break is coming up on Reading/Study Day - December 5, 2024.

Join us for pancakes and more on Thursday, December 5, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. at The Eatery in Ridgway University Center. There will also be drawings for prizes - so don't miss out! Plan to be at the Pancake Study Break! Study hard and enjoy some pancakes, Aces! And come in your pajamas!

Thursday, December 5, 2024
9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The Eatery, Ridgway University Center

Wear your pajamas, Aces!

This event is free of charge for all UE students. A UE ID is required to enter.

Questions? Contact Chad Hart at ch299@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Chad Hart ch299@evansville.edu
 
* Come Celebrate! Advent Candlelight Vespers

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024   Time: 7:00 pm   Location: Neu Chapel   Step into the warmth and wonder of the season with the University of Evansville community! Join us for our annual Advent Candlelight Vespers service. Advent Vespers is a special evening service that combines the themes of Advent—a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth—with the tradition of Vespers, an evening prayer service for reflection and thanksgiving. Immerse yourself in an evening of inspiring music and heartfelt readings that will fill your spirit with warmth and joy as we journey together into the holiday season. Come, bring your friends, neighbors, and loved ones, and be part of this cherished tradition—all are welcome!

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* Come Celebrate! Advent Candlelight Vespers

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Neu Chapel.

Step into the warmth and wonder of the season with the University of Evansville community! Join us for our annual Advent Candlelight Vespers service. Advent Vespers is a special evening service that combines the themes of Advent—a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth—with the tradition of Vespers, an evening prayer service for reflection and thanksgiving. Immerse yourself in an evening of inspiring music and heartfelt readings that will fill your spirit with warmth and joy as we journey together into the holiday season. Come, bring your friends, neighbors, and loved ones, and be part of this cherished tradition—all are welcome!

Submitted by Rob Shelby rs262@evansville.edu
 

Info You Should Know

* Plant Sitting

The library is offering to keep students' plants alive over the winter break if they cannot take them home. Contact Meg Atwater-Singer at ma35 for more information.

Submitted by Meg Atwater-Singer ma35@evansville.edu
 
* Dr. Suresh Immanuel Named Schroeder Family Dean of the UE College of Business and Engineering

The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce that Dr. Suresh Immanuel has been appointed as the Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business and Engineering.

Dr. Immanuel steps into this role with an impressive legacy of leadership and innovation. Since joining UE in 2009, he has served in key positions, including Program Director of Civil Engineering, Department Chair of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and Associate Provost for Academic Partnerships. His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, such as doubling enrollment in the engineering programs and spearheading interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Construction Management program.

Dr. Immanuel succeeds Dr. Beverly Brockman, who served with distinction before her passing in Fall 2023. A licensed professional engineer, Dr. Immanuel, brings both academic and industry expertise to his role.

"Dr. Immanuel's dedication to academic excellence, collaboration, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment embodies the values of the College of Business and Engineering and the Center for the Advancement of Learning," said Mary P. Kessler, Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost. "His leadership will ensure continued growth and innovation within our academic programs and will prepare our students for success in a dynamic and changing global landscape."

Dr. Ben Johnson, Associate Dean of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration will continue to serve as Head of the Business School and will provide oversight for the day to day operations of the School and will lead their reaccreditation efforts. Both Dr. Immanuel and Dr. Johnson's appointments are effective June 1, 2025.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* Celebrating Hispanic Voices podcast: Episodes 6, 7 & 8 are out

Tune in to listen to Darla Luna and Ale España interview UE student-athlete José Ocampo in Episode 6 of the "Celebrating Hispanic Voices" podcast!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2B3X08ccMuc5pEzBcatmhx?si=HhydLQGhSUi7A8kEdcwYYQ

Then, have a listen to Ainoah Cruz interview UE’s women’s volleyball coach Fernando Morales in Episode 7!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TmstSQbRJORBibYFOXDXi?si=suL-GYDjTbaAH3y0iSVaOw

And make time to listen to Episode 8, in which Darla Luna and Ainoah Cruz interview TriState Hispanic icon, Abraham Brown!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TmstSQbRJORBibYFOXDXi?si=suL-GYDjTbaAH3y0iSVaOw

Huge THANKS to our production team, Ale España and Tommy Housman!

Submitted by Diana Rodriguez Quevedo dr130@evansville.edu
 
* Professor Katie Mullins in Forthcoming Taylor Swift Poetry Collection

Professor Katie Mullins has a poem in the forthcoming anthology "Invisible Strings," an anthology of poems that are inspired by Swift's songs. The editor, Kristie Frederick Daugherty, has used the Easter eggs and games that Swift herself employs to involve poets like Joy Harjo, Diane Suess, and Richard Siken. The book releases nationally the first week of December.

Submitted by Katie Mullins kd60@evansville.edu
 
* Introducing the Foundations Newsletter

The Facilities Management team at the University of Evansville is excited to announce the release of our new Foundations Newsletter! This seasonal publication will highlight our recent achievements, upcoming projects, helpful tips, and campus happenings, keeping you informed and engaged.

Our inaugural issue, “The Season of Celebration and Change,” is now available. It’s packed with updates, including welcoming new team members, celebrating completed and ongoing projects like the new Qdoba and the Student Legacy Center, and sharing utility conservation tips for the holidays. Plus, learn about exciting events like Winter on Walnut and get a peek into new housing opportunities near campus.

Click below to read the full newsletter and stay connected with all the great work happening across UE Facilities. Together, we’re making our campus a better place!

Link: 

Foundations Newsletter - November 2024 - Office of Facilities Management and Planning - University of Evansville

Submitted by Dani Keith dk209@evansville.edu
 
* Spiritual Reflection Space Dec 6-13

Take time to slow down, decompress and notice what's bringing life. Throughout finals week use our Spiritual Reflection Space as a way to rest and reflect. This space is set up in Neu Chapel's Grabill Lounge starting Friday, December 6th.

Submitted by Breanna Bondurant bb369@evansville.edu
 
* UE Opera Receives $32,400 Grant from William E. Schmidt Foundation

The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is delighted to announce that UE Opera has been awarded a generous $32,400 grant from the William E. Schmidt Foundation.

This impactful grant will support both the Schmidt Opera Series and the Schmidt Opera Collaborative, advancing music education and community outreach in Evansville and the broader Tri-State region.

The Schmidt Opera Series, a key element of UE Opera's on-campus productions, will receive vital funding to continue bringing high-quality opera performances to audiences UE. Additionally, the Schmidt Opera Collaborative will benefit from this grant, enabling outreach and education initiatives that engage and inspire residents across the region.

"We are profoundly grateful to the William E. Schmidt Foundation for their support of UE Opera," said Dr. Alanna Keenan, Associate Professor of Music at UE. "This funding reaffirms our commitment to advancing music education and cultural enrichment and will allow us to provide students and community members with exceptional opportunities to experience the arts."

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Keenan, with additional guidance from Dr. Dennis Malfatti and Dr. Gregory Rike, UE Opera has flourished as a dynamic force in the field of opera, enriching the lives of students and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the community. The Schmidt Foundation's grant will empower the program to continue its legacy of excellence and expand its community reach.

The grant also provides continued support for the Community Conservatory Study Grants, which are designed to give area students who may otherwise lack access to private study the opportunity to benefit from music lessons. This initiative reflects UE's dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment that supports budding young musicians and makes music education accessible to all. UE Opera previously received $25,000 in grant funding in 2023.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* $5.3 Million Estate Gift Caps Mel Peterson's 44 Years of Generosity to UE

Dr. Melvin M. "Mel" Peterson H'91, H'14, a long-time friend and donor to the University of Evansville (UE), has continued his legacy of generosity through a bequest of more than $5.3 million.

Peterson's bequest provides $1 million for an endowed faculty chair and $100,000 for a scholarship in the Department of English. The bequest will also grow the University's endowment and support the institution's academic infrastructure.

The bequest brings Peterson's total giving to UE to $9,629,490. Peterson passed away on April 3 at the age of 101 following a brief illness.

Peterson's participation and financial support left an imprint on many areas of the University, notably his role in purchasing Harlaxton College, UE's campus in Grantham, England. Peterson's connection to UE began indirectly in 1975, 14 years before he moved to Evansville when he visited Harlaxton with his long-time friend, Dr. William Ridgway. Captivated by the history of the manor and intrigued by its possibilities for foreign study, Dr. Ridgway eventually purchased Harlaxton upon the urging of Peterson. A few years later, Ridgway gifted Harlaxton to the University of Evansville, and it has become the centerpiece of UE's international study programs.

"Thanks to Mel and Bill's foresight and generosity, thousands of students have had the life-changing experience of studying at Harlaxton," said University of Evansville President Chris Pietruszkiewicz.

Peterson's first gift to UE was a $1,000 donation to Harlaxton in 1980, beginning a 44-year philanthropic relationship with UE.

His affinity for supporting the arts and humanities can be traced to his scholarly endeavors. After retiring from Chevron Oil Corporation at age 50, Peterson earned a master's degree in English from the University of California and a master's degree in history from Indiana State University. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Evansville.

Peterson participated in many areas of University life. He enjoyed the academic world and relished interacting with faculty, staff and students. Peterson attended theatre productions, art show openings, poetry and literary readings and concerts. He served as president of the Samuel Johnson Society and was a board member of Harlaxton Society. He also supported the Art Department, the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Nursing Department. In 1991, the UE Alumni Association recognized his service to the University by naming him a Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus. Peterson was also an active honorary member of the UE Board of Trustees.

Always a proud donor, Mel sought to set an example for others. Thanks to his generosity, the Mel Peterson Art Gallery, situated at the corner of Weinbach and Lincoln Avenues, and the Mel Peterson Video Production Lab in Hyde Hall, have enhanced the learning experience in the Art and Communications programs. Peterson also made generous contributions to the renovations of Hyde Hall and Bower-Suhrheinrich Library.

"Thanks to Mel, the University of Evansville offers a rich and diverse academic experience," Pietruszkiewicz said. "Those of us who knew him are better for our friendship. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on."

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* Dual Student Lounge Open

Calling all commuter students! The dual student lounge is now open and recieving registrations! The common spaces in Hale Hall are now being opened to commuter students to allow for a more relaxed place to study, get some down time between classes, or have lunch! The spaces that are available include the game room, the kitchen and attached lounge area, and the computer lab. Registration is located on the second floor of Ridgway in the office of residence life. Access is granted 24-48 working hours after registration is complete.

The space operates on the same hours as Ridgway and swipe access is added to your student ID following registration!

Submitted by Teddy Thomason kt194@evansville.edu
 

Congratulations

* New book published by Harlaxton College faculty member, Dr Oliver Haslam - Minimalism and Affect in American Literature, 1970-2020

Dr Oliver Haslam, Assistant Professor in English Literature at Harlaxton College, has just published his first monograph, Minimalism and Affect in American Literature, 1970-2020 (Bloomsbury Academic, 2024).

In Minimalism and Affect in American Literature, 1970-2020, he argues that writers of American literary minimalism are uniquely privileged in their ability to formalize precarity and threatening cultural currents into the fragile construct that is ordinary life. Through readings of Joan Didion, Raymond Carver, Paul Auster, and Don DeLillo, and cultural phenomena ranging from sedation to telephony, he considers the persistence and political importance of minimalism within American literature from the 20th century into the 21st.

‘In Minimalism and Affect in American Literature, 1970-2020, Haslam gives us a highly readable account of the precariousness of our contemporary moment, with all its affective extremes. This will be an indispensable text for understanding the ongoing relevance of literary minimalism.’ – Marc Botha, Associate Professor of English, Durham University, UK.

Submitted by Oliver Haslam oh48@evansville.edu
 
* Professor Katie Mullins Nominated for Pushcart Prize

Prof. Katie Mullins has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Barrelhouse for her essay about Andy Kaufman, "Song and Dance Man."

Submitted by Katie Mullins kd60@evansville.edu
 

Harlaxton Happenings

* Harlaxton College to Lease Space in Historic Gregory Arms Pub

Harlaxton College has officially taken on tenancy at the historic Gregory Arms Pub. This exciting venture further integrates Harlaxton within the local community and creates new opportunities for engagement, education, and cultural exchange.

Located near Harlaxton Manor, the 19th-century Gregory Arms Pub has long been a beloved gathering spot for students, faculty, locals, and visitors alike. Now managed by Harlaxton Manor Enterprises, "The Greg" will offer five guest rooms along with its pub services, with all proceeds supporting student experiences at Harlaxton College.

Plans include utilizing the pub as a resource for internships, summer programs, and classes, offering students the chance to explore the cultural and historical significance of British pubs. Additionally, efforts are underway to preserve its welcoming atmosphere while introducing student-led events, educational workshops, and collaborative projects with various partners. By acquiring this iconic establishment, Harlaxton aims to honor its history while creating a dynamic space for academic, social, and community activities.

"The Gregory Arms Pub embodies the spirit of Harlaxton's unique educational experiences," said Holly Carter, PhD, Dean and Executive Director of Harlaxton College. "It represents a blend of local tradition and student life. We're excited to preserve its character while creating new memories for generations to come."

The purchase aligns with Harlaxton College's mission to provide transformative learning experiences and reflects UE's commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing the Harlaxton experience for students and the surrounding local community.

For more information, please visit thegregory.harlaxton.co.uk/.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* Call for Applications to teach at Harlaxton

Call for Applications to Teach at Harlaxton
Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027

Harlaxton College is pleased to be accepting applications to teach at the Manor in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027.   These applications are online and can be found by clicking https://pursueharlaxton.evansville.edu/register/teach-with-harlaxton.

Applications to teach in Summer 2026 are due December 15, 2024

Applications for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 are due on April 1, 2025

Summer applicants will be information of their status by February 2025   Semester applicants will be informed of the status of their application in July 2025.

Summer Applicants:

In the summer, faculty generally teach one course.   Once courses are approved, we will recruit for these courses and then decide which courses will run based on enrollment of students.  These decisions are made in late January of the year of the program.    If your course does run in the summer session at Harlaxton, salary will be paid at $500 per student enrolled in your class.   In the summer, there are no funds for airfare and any family members pay for their own accommodation and meals.  Fees for room and board for a spouse may be waived if there are 10 or more students enrolled in your class. Faculty and families will also be invoiced for health and transportation fees at the Manor for each member of the family and the faculty member. These fees are approximately $300 per person.

Semester Applicants:
Semester benefits include room and board for family members at Harlaxton.   Faculty members who wish to bring children and enroll them in the local schools will be assisted in the visa process but will be required to pay any fees for the visa.  These fees are currently approx. $1000 per person and visas are required for every person in the family.   Faculty and families will also be invoiced for health and transportation fees at the Manor for each member of the family and the faculty member.  These fees are approximately $400 per person.

Teaching at Harlaxton is a wonderful experience, and we welcome faculty members for a phenomenal summer or semester abroad.  If you have questions about teaching at Harlaxton and the experience overall, please feel free to email me at hc110@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Holly Carter hc110@evansville.edu
 

Athletics

* Diaz-Caneja and Engen Vik named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Teams

ST LOUIS – Two 2024 Missouri Valley Champion University of Evansville men’s soccer team members were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team.

Junior defender Nacho Diaz-Caneja (Coruña, Spain) and sophomore winger Auden Engen Vik (Trondheim, Norway) were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete teams on Tuesday morning. Diaz-Caneja was named to the first team while Engen Vik was named to the second team by a vote of league sports information contacts.

Diaz-Caneja appeared in all 21 matches for the Purple Aces starting in 19 in 2024 while averaging over 70 minutes a match. He scored two goals for UE during 2024 including the game-winning goal at Memphis on Aug. 25. Diaz-Caneja also recorded an assist in Evansville’s first match of the year against Bellarmine. Offensively he took 14 shots with three landing on goal in nine matches and had a career-high three shots at Western Michigan and Bradley. Diaz-Caneja has one of the highest GPA’s on the team at 3.97 as a business major and has been on the Dean’s List every semester at UE.

Engen Vik also appeared in all 21 matches for the Aces with 15 starts to average 43 minutes a match. The winger scored his lone goal of the season at NIU on Oct. 10 to win the match for UE in the 85th minute. Engen Vik assisted on two goals at Louisville and Western Michigan in the MVC Tournament for four points on the season. On the pitch, he took eight shots with four landing on goal in five matches, and had the fifth-best shot accuracy for Evansville at 50%. Engen Vik had a career-high in shots with three against USI to win the Mayor’s Cup on Sept. 1. The sophomore has a 3.86 GPA majoring in business and has been named to UE’s Deans List twice.

Bowling Green and Missouri State had the most athletes named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete teams with five each. Western Michigan forward Noah James was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year with a personal best seven goals and three assists in 2024 while having a 4.0 GPA studying pre-mechanical engineering as a sophomore. The criteria to make the MVC Scholar-Athlete teams mirrors the College Sports Communicator (CSC) standards for Academic All-America voting.  Nominees must be starters or important reserves with at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and they must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution.

Submitted by Athletics
 
* Aces battle to the finish in loss to Racers

MURRAY, Ky. – Excelling on both sides of the floor, Gabriel Pozzato recorded 15 points and 6 steals on Tuesday as the University of Evansville men’s basketball team dropped a 63-61 game at Murray State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener.

Pozzato hit 5 of his 10 attempts while playing the full 40 minutes.  Cam Haffner registered 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting while Tanner Cuff added 10 points and a team-high 6 boards.  Tayshawn Comer wrapped up the game with 9 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists.

“I am proud of the effort that our guys put in tonight.  We battled back every time we were down and had strong energy right to the end,” UE head coach David Ragland stated after the game.  “At the start, I felt like the 9-day layoff showed a little bit, but we fought back and gave Murray State everything we had.”

Over the opening six minutes, the Racers jumped out to a 12-2 lead.  Evansville began the game 1-of-6 from the field while turning the ball over twice.  Tanner Cuff got UE back on track with his first basket of the game.  At the 10:41-mark, MSU pushed their lead back up to nine points at 17-8.

It was the Purple Aces who made their first major run of the night, outscoring the Racers by a 13-6 margin to cut the deficit to just a pair.  Cam Haffner’s triple with 8:54 remaining in the half made it a 19-15 game.  The junior struck again two minutes later, converting a second-chance basket to get Evansville within two at 23-21.

Things swung back to Murray State over the ensuing 5-minute stretch as they scored nine in a row to take their largest lead at 32-21 inside the final two minutes.  UE missed six field goal tries in a row as MSU made its run.  In the final offensive possession, Tanner Cuff’s tip in made it a 33-25 game entering the break.

Tawshawn Comer forced a steal before a fast break dunk got the Aces on the board to open the second half.  Three more field goals by Cuff kept the Racer lead in single digits and the persistence for the Aces paid off as the game entered its final nine minutes.  Trailing 50-41, a basket from Comer was followed by a Connor Turnbull 3-pointer that cut the gap to just four – 50-46.

Another triple by Haffner got things even closer and, with four minutes left, Gabriel Pozzato’s long ball got his squad within one at 57-56.  Neither team gave an inch over the final minutes, but it was UE who continued to chip away.  With 1:15 remaining, Haffner’s second-chance layup knotted the score at 58-58.

On their ensuing possession, MSU countered with a 3-point play before knocking down a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 63-58 with 41 ticks on the clock.  Just when it looked like the Racers would finish off the win, Evansville had other ideas.  Following a missed UE shot, Pozzato forced a steal and converted a dunk to get back within three.

Pozzato continued his relentless defense, forcing another Racer turnover before hitting a free throw to make it a 63-61 game with 22 second left.  Murray State missed an attempt with 12 seconds remaining to give the Aces one more shot trailing by two.  UE had a final look at a triple, but the attempt fell short to seal the win for the Racers.

JaCobi Wood led the Racers with 21 points while Kylen Milton scored 12.  MSU shot 43.1% in the game while UE finished slightly higher at 43.9%.  The Racers completed the game with a 39-30 edge on the boards.

UE will be back at the Ford Center on Saturday welcoming Western Kentucky for a 1 p.m. game.

Submitted by Athletics
 
* Men's basketball returns to action at Murray State

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following a 9-day break, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team will be back in action on Tuesday, opening Missouri Valley Conference play at Murray State in a 7 p.m. game.  ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast.

Last Time Out

- Holding Campbell to just 32.7% shooting, the Purple Aces put together a solid performance in a 66-53 win on Nov. 24

- Tayshawn Comer was the top scorer for UE, totaling 18 points along with 6 boards and 6 assists

- Cam Haffner added 16 points while Gabriel Pozzato and Josh Hughes posted 10 each

What a Start

- Cam Haffner’s impressive start to the season continued as he posted 21.5 PPG in wins over Green Bay and Campbell

- In the win over Green Bay, he set career highs in points (27), field goals (10) and attempts (16); he also tied his top collegiate mark of 9 rebounds

- The effort surpassed his previous high of 23 points set just six days earlier against Radford

- With his season scoring mark of 15.3 PPG, he is second on the team and 5th in the MVC; Haffner also ranks 3rd in the league with 2.7 3-point makes per game and 7th with an average of 32.7 minutes per game

Strong Performance

- Tayshawn Comer had his top all-around effort of the season versus the Camels, finishing with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists

- His 6 assists was a season-high and improved his season average to 3.43 per game, tied for 7th in the Valley

- Comer’s 6 rebounds tied his season mark, which came against Green Bay

- With a season average of 11.3 PPG, he is third on the team

Taking Care of the Ball

- Through seven games, Tanner Cuff has accumulated 24 assists while turning the ball over just four times

- His assist-to-turnover ratio of 6.00 paces the MVC and is 6th nationally

- Cuff’s other MVC stat rankings include steals (T-4 -2.00/gm), assists (T-11-3.43/gm) and rebounding (T-12-6.00/gm)

- Against Green Bay, Cuff tied his season mark of 15 points while adding 7 boards and 6 assists

Scouting the Opponent

- With a 79-66 win over UT Arlington last Tuesday, Murray State improved to 4-2 entering Tuesday’s MVC opener

- The other wins for the Racers have come against Maryland Eastern Shore, Middle Tennessee and Bethel

- Terence Harcum and AJ Ferguson lead MSU with season averages of 13.7 points per game

- Harcum has hit a team-high 17 triples while Ferguson is shooting 67.6%

- Kylen Milton has recorded 11.8 PPG while JaCobi Wood is averaging 11.5 PPG

- KyeRon Lindsay leads the Racers with 6.7 rebounds per contest

Submitted by Athletics
 

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