In a closely contested match, the Indiana Hoosiers secured a 77-68 victory over Winthrop on Sunday. Despite leading the game with an 8-0 run at the end, the team struggled throughout, never achieving a double-digit lead and facing significant challenges from their poor three-point shooting. This win raises questions about the team's progress and readiness for the upcoming Big Ten games.

Gradual Improvement or Stagnation?

The Hoosiers' point guard Myles Rice expressed optimism about the team's gradual improvement, emphasizing that each game brings them closer to perfection. However, this perspective is tempered by the unresolved issues that have plagued the team since the start of the season. The offensive identity remains unclear, and key players like Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo are still struggling to find synergy on the court. These concerns loom large as Indiana prepares to face tougher competition in the Big Ten.

Rice's positive outlook contrasts with the ongoing challenges faced by the Hoosiers. The team has yet to resolve fundamental questions regarding its offensive strategy. Can Reneau and Ballo effectively play together? Who will consistently make crucial shots? These uncertainties remain pressing as Indiana enters a critical phase of the season. Coach Mike Woodson highlighted defensive improvements, but these gains seem less significant when considering Winthrop's inflated season statistics against weaker opponents. The Eagles had previously struggled against stronger teams like Louisville and Florida State, raising doubts about the quality of IU's recent victories.

Tackling Three-Point Struggles and Fouls

The Hoosiers' struggles with three-point shooting continued, with only one successful attempt out of twenty. This performance underscores a persistent issue that has plagued the team for several games. Coach Woodson acknowledged the need for continued practice, but the question remains whether the team can rely on long-range shooting as a consistent offensive weapon. Additionally, Malik Reneau's recurring foul trouble further complicates matters, especially given his importance to the team's offense.

Indiana's three-point woes reached new lows during the Winthrop game. Luke Goode's single three-pointer was both the first and last made shot from beyond the arc, highlighting a troubling trend. The team has now gone four consecutive games with sub-30% three-point shooting, a concerning statistic for any basketball program. Coach Woodson noted that many of the missed attempts were good looks, suggesting that confidence and consistency are key areas for improvement. Meanwhile, Reneau's foul trouble continues to disrupt his playing time. In Sunday's game, he picked up fouls early and often, sitting out significant portions due to foul issues. This pattern has persisted throughout his career, making it crucial for Reneau to develop better situational awareness to maximize his impact on the court. As Indiana moves forward, addressing these two critical areas will be essential for success in the competitive Big Ten conference.