Indiana men’s basketball bounced back from a sluggish first half to defeat Eastern Illinois 90-55. After trailing 37-36 at halftime, the Hoosiers surged in the second half, outscoring their opponents 53-18 in a dominant performance. A 36-5 run in the second half effectively sealed the game, allowing head coach Mike Woodson to empty the bench with five minutes remaining.
Despite a poor first half, where the starters struggled to find rhythm, the Hoosiers turned things around. They tightened their defense, found their shooting touch, and cruised to a convincing victory. The margin of victory was a positive outcome, helping to boost their analytical profile, which will be important given the lack of marquee non-conference opponents this season.
Three Key Takeaways:
1. Margin of Victory
Large wins against weaker opponents matter in college basketball, especially when it comes to analytics. Indiana’s 35-point victory, which exceeded expectations according to KenPom, will help improve their NET rankings. In a season with limited high-profile matchups, dominant wins are crucial for building a strong resume. Last year, the Hoosiers struggled to put away inferior teams, but consecutive wins by more than 15 points to start this season are a positive sign.
2. Integrating New Players
Indiana’s revamped roster has generated plenty of excitement, but integrating all the new pieces has been a work in progress. For much of the game, Coach Woodson relied on returning players like Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Trey Galloway. Transfers Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle have shown potential, but they’re still adjusting to the offense. Oumar Ballo contributed offensively but spent significant time on the bench when Indiana opted for smaller lineups. With so many new players, expect continued lineup experimentation as the season progresses.
3. Freshman Bryson Tucker’s Growth
Freshman Bryson Tucker has quickly established himself as a reliable contributor. In 20 minutes, he recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds, a block, and an assist. Tucker’s defense, athleticism, and ability to play in transition make him a good fit for this year’s team, which scored 31 fast-break points. He played both the shooting guard and small forward spots, often alongside shooters like Luke Goode and Mgbako, helping to stretch the floor. Most notably, Tucker did not commit any turnovers, showing maturity and earning him more minutes in the future, especially in high-pressure situations.
In summary, Indiana’s performance highlighted both the progress of individual players and the team’s ability to bounce back after a rough start, all while continuing to work through integrating new talent into the lineup.
