The Jaguars tipped off the first game of the 2025-26 season with a thrilling 64-61victory over Indiana State on Nov. 3. In a game that kept fans on their feet until the final buzzer, the Jaguars proved that they were not only prepared for the upcoming season, but ready to make a statement.
The energy inside the Jungle was ecstatic from the moment fans stepped in. The pep band fueled the crowd with ”Take Me Thru There” by Pluto and Bunna B, while students, alumni, and sponsors shook with anticipation as the Jags stepped onto the court for their first game under the lights and a ticking clock.
Before tip-off, head coach Kate Bruce and assistant coach Hannah Blake brought the team into a tight huddle, offering final words of encouragement and focus. The starting lineup were Hailey Smith (guard/forward), 30, Olivia Smith (guard/forward), 31, Ariana Williams (forward), 11, Sydney Bolden (guard), 3 and Destini Craig (guard), 1.
IU Indy wasted no time in taking control. Neveah Foster, a guard, 14, opened the scoring with the first basket of the season, followed moments later by Hailey, who scored two free throws to put the Jaguars up 5-0 in the opening moments.
“Once that first free throw went in, I just locked in and was focused,” Hailey said. “We’ve been working towards this moment for months, and were just getting started.”
Bolden quickly became the hype leader on the floor, assisting with play call outs, celebrating teammates and keeping the energy alive among players.
“I’m always going to talk and uplift my team, that's just who I am,” Bolden said. “When I hype them up, they play harder; same for myself. It's just who we are.”
Guard Kamara Mills 12, added another point early on, which allowed the Jaguars to maintain their lead. The team’s sharp passing, smart communication, and confidence radiated from the bench all the way to the stands.
The Jaguars warm up 15 minutes before tipoff.
Coming out of halftime, IU Indy looked even more focused. Craig took control of the boards, while E’Zaria Adams, a guard, 4, delivered key lay-ups. Hailey and Olivia tag teamed rebounds, assists, and many defensive stops, pushing the team to a 58-44 lead.
“At one point we were up six points, because everybody was focused and on alert,” Hailey said. “We knew they were going to come back, and we’ve all played enough basketball over the years to know, you can’t lose focus not even for a few seconds.”
Indiana State made its comeback late in the fourth quarter, making it a one-point difference (58-57) with just under three minutes left. The pressure was heavy and tense, but the Jaguars didn’t fold. A scare came when Olivia hit the floor, but she got up immediately ready to win.
“I’m good,” Olivia later said. “There was no chance I was coming out of the game with only two minutes left on the clock.”
With 2.44 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Jaguars up by three points, the audience sat in anticipation, ready to see if they could hold on for the win.
Finishing with a run out of the clock and the Jaguars leading with a strong offensive team, they won the game with a final score of 64-61. IU Indy fought to the last seconds, sealing a hard earned victory. It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement about the heart, identity, and direction of this team.
“Close games like this really show who we are as a team,” Bruce said. “Our players showed leadership, discipline, and belief. That's what champions are built on.”
This season opener marked an important chapter for twins Hailey and Olivia Smith, and Arianna Williams, all of whom transferred from Ball State to IU Indy in search of more opportunity and impact.
“We came here to play, to grow, and to bring something new for ourselves and the team,” Hailey said. “Tonight was just the beginning and a glimpse of what we were capable of this season.”
Regina Graves, a junior majoring in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in media art studies. She is the social media manager for PRSSA. Beyond her role in social media, Regina enjoys reading and exploring new habits that help her disconnect from technology.
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