Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Marian – key storylines, injury report, how to watch

Indiana basketball returns to the floor at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for the second time this week to play in their second and final exhibition game as the Hoosiers host Marian this Friday.

After a sluggish, rusty first half, the Hoosiers would go onto to beat the University of Indianapolis 74-52. Indiana basketball was led by Kel’el Ware and Mackenzie Mgbako in scoring with 14-points each.

Watch: Highlights of Indiana basketball win over UIndy in opening exhibition

This will be the final chance for Indiana basketball to shake off the rust before the season officially starts vs Florida Golf Coast University next Tuesday. This will also be the first time the Hoosiers will take the floor after the passing of legendary Indiana basketball head coach Bob Knight.

Below is the full preview of Indiana game vs  the University of Indianapolis.

Key Storylines

Is three-point shooting an early issue? 

Three-point shooting, or the lack-there-of, has been the talk for the last couple of seasons when it comes to the Indiana basketball program. The Hoosiers have just not been able to find reliable consistency when it comes that area of the offense.

In Indiana’s first exhibition game, the Hoosiers were pretty underwhelming when it came to shooing behind the arc. In total, the Hoosiers only went 3-of-10 from the perimeter and all 10 attempts came in the second half.  More than half of Indiana’s shots came at the rim, with guys passing up the threes to attack the rim.

“I don’t put a lot of emphasis on it. If we’ve got them, you’ve got to take them,” Mike Woodson said about the team’s lack of attempts. “I’m not telling guys to pass up the 3-point shot.”

Is this a major concern right now? Not really. However, it could be something to watch these next few games. Indiana now has the talent to be able to space out the floor. It all comes down to the Hoosiers utilizing their versatility.

Second unit may be legit

Mike Woodson has always stated that his second unit is just as important as his first unit. In the past few seasons under Mike Woodson, Indiana basketball has been trying to create a stable rotation of guys.

If the flashes shown in last Sunday’s game by guys such as Gabe Cupps, CJ Gunn, Payton Sparks, Anthony Walker, and even Anthony Leal, the Hoosiers might have their first legit second unit of the Mike Woodson era. In total, Indiana’s bench scored 33 of the 74 total point in the contest, and that was without sophomore wing Kaleb Banks who is expected to be a big part of that second unit.

As long as everyone remains healthy, year three could be the year that Mike Woodson is able to play 9-10 consistently like he has been wanting to.

“Again, if you followed me closely in the NBA, I’ve always stressed that the second unit is just as important as the first unit,” said Woodson. “And I’ve tried to build teams that way, where if you’re not getting it from the first unit, you can go get it from the second unit.”

“And I think we’re deep enough, we can stay away from injuries, that we can sustain that over the course of a season. I know this is just one game, and we hadn’t even talked about Kansas and Auburn and all the big-time schools that we’ve got to play — Connecticut, UConn, rather.”

One more chance to work out the rust

I think it is safe to say, Indiana was VERY rusty in the first exhibition game. However, that was more than expected given the fact that this is pretty much a brand new team and no player has played a game in months.

Once things started clicking, Indiana rolled past Indianapolis and showed the high amount of upside they have.

“Well, we had a nice halftime talk,” said Woodson. “But I thought, to start the game, I thought we were a little tight. Guys not really familiar the first time playing in front of a crowd….I thought we adjusted and finally started playing Indiana basketball. And it started with our defense.”

For a team that is built on new pieces and runs a somewhat new system, having rust like Indiana had is more than common. This Friday, Indiana has one final chance to shake up the early season rust and play a complete game before the actual season takes place.

Now that the first game jitters are out, this Indiana basketball club should be ready to go vs Marian.

Related: Indiana Basketball: 4 things to look for in IU’s final exhibition vs Marian

Injury Updates

Kaleb Banks: Per Mike Woodson, Kaleb Banks is dealing with a ‘groin pull’ and missed Sunday’s game. He is questionable for the game vs Marian.

Payton Sparks: The junior center left Sunday’s game early after he rolled his ankle. Per source, he was seen on crutches after the game. However, Mike Woodson expects him to play in Friday’s game vs Marian.

Jakai Newton: Newton had a lower body surgical procedure done this past offseason to help fix a previous injury he sustained during high school. He is still recovering and is not expected to play awhile at this point.

More: Full Ride Network Film Session: Indiana basketball vs Indianapolis

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana vs Marian (Exhibition)

When?: Friday, November 3rd || 6:30 PM ET

Where?: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

TV: BTN+

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson on Bob Knight: ‘He influenced my life in ways I could never repay’

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.