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

Indiana basketball will conclude their appearance at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament with a matchup against Providence.

Both teams will be looking to earn their first win in the Bahamas after beginning the tournament undefeated.

The Friars have a balanced offense with leading scorers Bensley Joseph (11.9 points per game), Jayden Pierre (11.9), and Wesley Cardet (10.7) all averaging double figures.

Tipoff is set for 11:00 a.m. ET and will be on ESPN2.

Below is the full preview of Indiana basketball vs Providence.

More: Battle 4 Atlantis: 3 things to watch for Indiana basketball

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

Show some pride

Indiana basketball has been embarrassed in their first two games of the tournament, losing by an average of 22 points to Louisville and Gonzaga.

This team’s conditioning, toughness, and ability have been questioned as a result of this week.

While a strong performance against Providence will not solve the problems that this week showcased, it could be the start of turning the season around.

An 0-3 performance would also make it very difficult for Indiana to find their way into the NCAA tournament if they are on the bubble.

The effort and overall performance have not been good, but Mike Woodson and Indiana basketball will have one last chance to show they belong in this tournament.

Will the guards finally step up

Indiana basketball needs more from their guards.

The position was the biggest issue with the roster and led to the impact additions of Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle.

Rice and Carlyle have both shown their capabilities as players during their careers, but this week has been rough for the duo.

The pair has combined to shoot 5-27 over the last two days while turning the ball over eight times. They have just five assists in comparison.

Trey Galloway has not been much better as he is 2-10 over the past two games.

Indiana basketball is relying on their trio of guards and when they struggle, the team struggles.

Can Indiana basketball do a better job on the boards

Defensive rebounding is not a new issue for Indiana basketball. It’s one that plagued the program all last year and continues to be an issue.

Despite having a dominant rebounder like Oumar Ballo, for some reason, the Hoosiers cannot keep teams off the offensive glass.

Indiana allowed 13 offensive rebounds to Gonzaga who turned them into 23 second-chance points. The Hoosiers were outscored by 19 in that department after having just four second-chance points.

A 19-point deficit in second-chance points is a big reason for the 16-point loss.

Indiana boasts one of the bigger lineups in college basketball but still struggles to rebound. Fixing this issue is crucial as Indiana begins Big Ten play soon.

Read Key takeaways from the 89-73 loss for Indiana basketball to Gonzaga

Series History

The Hoosiers have won both meetings against the Friars. 

The first matchup occurred in the third-place game of the 1973 NCAA Tournament where Steve Downing led Indiana to a 97-79 win. Downing scored 21 points and added 14 rebounds in the win.

The most recent matchup occurred in 2020 where Indiana beat Providence 79-58. Race Thompson led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Former Hoosier then Friar, Aljami Durham had 19 points and six rebounds for Indiana.

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball Q&A: Mike Woodson and players preview Battle 4 Atlantis

Indiana basketball Injury Updates

Jakai Newton: Newton has not played for Indiana basketball this week and seems unlikely to play today.

Kanaan Carlyle: Carlyle is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Gabe Cupps: Cupps is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (4-2) vs Providence (5-2)

When?: Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 • 11:00 a.m. ET

Where?: Imperial Ballroom • Paradise Islands, Bahamas

TV: ESPN2 (Dave O’Brien, Jimmy Dykes)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Austin Render, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana is listed as a 4.5-point favorite

SEE ALSO: A week of opportunity has turned into week of major questions as IU basketball finds itself on the wrong side of another high-major blowout

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