Unraveling the Enigmatic Hoosiers

COACHING (B-)

With Mike Woodson's team, it often comes down to consistent effort. In the early stages of the game against Minnesota, when the Gophers were shooting 11-of-15 from the field and the defense seemed sluggish, Woodson found the answers. The Gophers' shooting cooled down to 3-of-18 after that crucial stretch. But once IU built a lead, there was a tendency for the team to get comfortable. As IU guard Kanaan Carlyle pointed out, "When we do get comfortable, that's when stuff starts to fall off and that's when teams start to make their runs back, so we just got to make sure we put a good 40 minutes together where we play hard all 40." It's also worth noting that IU missed 11 free throws and shot just 28.6% from three-point range. There's a valid argument that with a bit better shooting, especially at the free throw line, the Hoosiers could have truly pulled away.

Woodson is constantly striving to keep his team locked in for the entire 40 minutes, and this is an ongoing challenge for the coaching staff.

OFFENSE (B)

In this game, IU's big men took center stage and dominated. Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo showed great chemistry, running the floor and establishing post positions for transition buckets. They found each other in high-low actions and executed big-to-big passing with ease. When Minnesota blitzed high ball screens, both players were open on slips to the basket. Despite poor free throw shooting (62%) and three-point shooting (28.6%), the Hoosiers scored 1.2 points per possession. The key was their elite efficiency inside the arc, where they made 67%, and a 42.9% offensive rebounding rate led to 14 second chance points. They also moved the ball well, assisting on 21 of 31 makes, and pushed the pace, scoring in transition, especially in the first half.

IU's offensive game is a well-oiled machine when the bigs are performing at their best.

DEFENSE (C)

Minnesota started the game hot, shooting 11-of-15 from the field. But then their shooting cooled down to 3-of-18 and finished at 12-of-22. This inconsistency in effort was evident on both ends of the court. In the second half, IU struggled with help defense at the rim, allowing Minnesota to get several straight line drives for dunks. Multiple players were at fault for these lapses. However, IU was able to limit Minnesota to just a 2-of-11 shooting day from three-point range. The Gophers aren't a great perimeter shooting team, but IU's ability to run them off the arc was encouraging. Minnesota still made 24-of-44 from two-point range, highlighting the moments when IU's defense was not at its best.

Defense is an area where IU has room for improvement, but they have shown flashes of potential.

THE PLAYERS (*starters)

*Mackenzie Mgbako (C+) Mgbako had a mixed performance. He made some shots and showed good effort at times, but he was not very active on the glass, missed multiple good looks, and added a couple of turnovers. He needs to be more consistent in his play and contribute more on the offensive and defensive boards.

*Malik Reneau (A-) Reneau is often overlooked, but his production is consistently impressive. He had an efficient night from the field and passed the ball at a high level. His ability to make plays and contribute on both ends of the court is crucial to IU's success.

*Oumar Ballo (A-) Despite being listed as questionable before the game, Ballo showed great energy and had no signs of any lingering issues. He scored 18 points on just five shots, shooting free throws well and making several hustle plays. His presence in the post is a major asset for IU.

*Myles Rice (C+) Rice had four assists to just one turnover and was solid on defense. However, his scoring was lacking, and he struggled to take on shot blockers at the rim. He also left the game briefly with an injury, and it remains to be seen how it will affect his future performance.

*Trey Galloway (D) Galloway's performance has been a roller coaster. He is having a hard time stringing together consistent high-level play. He struggled with turnovers and couldn't find his shooting touch from the field or the free throw line. It's not a matter of effort, but the results have not always been there.

Kanaan Carlyle (A-) Carlyle is a key player for IU. He was tough, physical, and aggressive, playing excellent defense. He also made shots on this night, showing that he can be a reliable scorer when needed. His performance was a major factor in IU's victory.

Bryson Tucker (A-) Tucker made an immediate impact, scoring and rebounding at a high level. His most impressive scoring plays were on drives to the rim. However, he is struggling with his three-point shot, as he doesn't seem to get enough arc on his shots. Improving his three-point shooting will be crucial for his overall game.

Luke Goode (C) Goode's impact was limited in this game. He was only able to get off one three in 18 minutes and did not record a rebound. He needs to find ways to contribute more and make an impact on both ends of the court.

Langdon Hatton, Jakai Newton, Anthony Leal, and Dallas James did not play, as per the coach's decision.

The Hoosiers will next travel to Nebraska for an 8 p.m. ET tip in Lincoln on Friday (FOX). They will look to continue their winning streak and build on their recent success.