‘Nobody can guard him one-on-one’: Malik Reneau blows past Purdue’s defensive scheme in stellar ‘must-win game’

Better late than never – Indiana basketball has quickly changed the narrative after picking up its second win against a ranked opponent in less than two weeks.

First, a road win at #11 Michigan State. Now, a major home win against in-state rival #13 Purdue, 73-58.

Malik Reneau, who was arguably the difference maker for Indiana against Michigan State, continued his hot streak, leading Indiana to what could go down as the team’s biggest win of the regular season, against Purdue.

Reneau was the only starting big for Indiana today and did not disappoint. Despite being frequently defended by a Purdue double-team, Reneau continuously dominated in the paint, scoring 15 points on perfect 7-of-7 shooting from the field. Reneau added in six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block, finishing with a +/- of +12 in 24 minutes.

Indiana basketball guard Trey Galloway praised Reneau for his ability to handle being double-teamed.

“I think just him just being patient because he knows he demands a double because of how good and how skilled he is,” Galloway said about Reneau. “Nobody can guard him one-on-one. For us to continue to win, he’s got to continue to do that for us and be big all the rest of the year.”

Reneau was limited in the second half as a result of being in foul trouble, but made the most of his court time, putting up seven points across eight minutes.

The matchup vs Purdue was a game that Indiana had circled on its calendar for quite some time. Reneau and all of his teammates recognized how important the matchup was.

“We knew coming in that this was a must-win game,” Reneau said on his team’s outlook on hosting Purdue. “Everybody had that feeling and was ready to go for the game. When we got down and we were at halftime, it was the same thing. Just go out there and put your all out on the floor and let’s see the results, and it came out our way.”

Aside from his impressive overall performance, the spotlight was on Reneau in the second half for an additional reason – a major feat. A two-handed slam dunk from Reneau placed him in the 1,000 point club, becoming the 55th player in Indiana basketball program history to hit the milestone.

Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson applauded Reneau for earning the major honor.

“Malik has been a solid player for us,” Woodson stated. “He reached the 1,000 point plateau today and that’s pretty special. I can’t help but think if he continues to work and stay healthy, he’ll continue to do some wonderful things in college basketball.”

Reneau is just the second player from the Woodson coaching era to earn a spot in Indiana’s 1,000 point club, joining former teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Indiana’s win marks its largest margin of victory vs Purdue since February 16, 2013, where Indiana won 83-55. The win also snapped Indiana’s four game home losing streak as the team hadn’t won at Assembly Hall since defeating USC on January 8.

Indiana’s home stand will continue as the team will get set to host Penn State on Wednesday night, an 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball routs Purdue on 40th anniversary of Bob Knight’s chair throw

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