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

After a long wait, Indiana basketball will officially open its 125th season of competition  with a non-conference matchup against SIUE tonight inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

The Hoosiers are coming off two exhibition games last week coming out victorious in both of them. SIUE actually played a game already this season and won 95-42 vs Westminster MO.

Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson is 3-0 in home openers and holds an overall record of 18-2 in the month of November during his tenure.

Tip is set for 8 PM ET. The game will air on BTN.

Below is the full preview of Indiana basketball vs SIUE.

Podcast: Talkin’ Bout The Hoosiers Ep. 31 – 2024 Indiana Basketball Preview

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

Control the pace from the start, don’t play around 

I know we always harp on last season and how lackluster it was, but it is important for this storyline when you think about how we should have known the season was not going to be good very early on.

Indiana basketball REALLY struggled putting away teams that they should have won by at least 20+ points last year which ultimately really hurt their metrics when competing for an NCAA Tournament berth. When it comes to the 19 wins that the Hoosiers had, not a single one of them was ever easy.

That has to change this season and the way it does is by setting the tone and controlling the pace as soon as the ball is tipped. We have heard that the Hoosiers want to play much more up-tempo and that is what they will have to do tonight.

Indiana basketball needs to show that they are the better team in the first half and put this one away early. Do not play around with a team that does not stack to your level.

Shoot 20+ threes, find ways to make them

This is probably not shocking to say, but most of the eyes are going to be on Indiana’s outside shooting tonight and how well they do in that area.

Through the two exhibition games combined, Indiana basketball only went 10-of-44 from three. Obviously a 22.7% completion rate from behind the arc is just not good enough, especially when you have guys now on the roster that are more than capable of shooting the outside ball.

For this game, we need to see the volume stay at a high rate last it was in the exhibition games, preferably with 20+ shot attempts. If the volume stays high, there is a better chance Indiana basketball starts to show improvement from behind the arc.

Shoot early and shoot often. Find a way to make shots.

Compete on the defensive end

Mike Woodson’s bread and butter is on the defensive and for the most part, every Indiana basketball team that he has had has been strong on that end.

With as much talent and size this year’s team has, they have a chance to be one of the better defensive teams in the Big Ten. It’s just all about the team buying in on that end.

We talked about controlling the pace from the start in the game, but that also means controlling on the defensive. SIUE put up 95 points in their last game so this team can score if you give them chances too.

The defense of the Hoosiers will be one to watch.

More: Key Takeaways from the Exhibitions

Series History

The Hoosiers are 2-0 against the Cougars and 25-0 against teams currently playing in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Indiana basketball topped SIUE by a score of 88-54 on Dec. 17, 2010, the debut matchup between the two sides. Indiana great Christian Watford tallied 18 points in just 19 minutes of run. Indiana also claimed an 83-60 victory on Dec. 2, 2016. Former All-Big Ten performer Juwan Morgan scored 18 points on 8-of-8 shooting from the floor and added 10 rebounds in the win.

Watch: Mike Woodson discusses Indiana basketball ahead of SIUE matchup

Indiana basketball Injury Updates

Trey Galloway: After having offseason surgery and rehabbing all summer, Galloway officially got back on the floor vs Marian last Friday. Per Mike Woodson, Galloway ‘passed the test’ and should be good to go moving forward.

Jakai Newton: After nearly 2 years, Jakai Newton returned to the floor and played 12 minutes. While he does not look to be fully in basketball shape, Newton does claim that he is 100%. He availability will be something to monitor all season most likely.

Anthony Leal: Leal missed last game with lower body injury he sustained vs Tennessee. He was seen limping around during last week’s game vs Marian. He is questionable.

Kanaan Carlyle: The sophomore guard missed last game due to bruised ribs he sustained vs Tennessee. Mike Woodson has stated that this should not be a long term injury and could even see him back tonight.

Read: Bryson Tucker is not your average freshman, his mindset and willingness to learn could help him make an instant impact for Indiana basketball

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana vs SIUE

When?: Nov. 6, 2024 • 8 PM ET

Where?: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (17,222) • Bloomington, Ind.

TV: BTN (Connor Onion, Robbie Hummel)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball is listed a 28.5-favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball one of only five programs to have 4 players listed in CBS Sports rankings

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