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

Indiana basketball returns to the floor for their third game of the season as they host one of their top non-conference opponents this season, South Carolina. The Hoosiers are currently 2-0 on the season with convincing wins over SIUE and Eastern Illinois.

The Gamecocks enter the contest with a record of 2-1 behind 21.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game from sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles. Senior guard Jacobi Wright adds 16.0 points per game on 46.7% shooting from the 3-point line, while senior guard Jamarii Thomas averages 10.7 points and 3.3 assists.

Tip is set for 3:00 PM ET. The game will air on Peacock.

Below is the full preview of Indiana basketball vs South Carolina.

Read: IU basketball rises in latest AP Top 25 Poll 

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

Bring energy right at tip, don’t start slow 

In the win vs Eastern Illinois, Indiana basketball was asleep in the first half, which ultimately led them to being down at half. Luckily, the Hoosiers woke up in the second half and ended up winning by 35.

Today for South Carolina, that formula will not work. Indiana is going to have bring energy from the start and keep that for 40 minutes

Ever sense Mike Woodson took over as head coach, The Hoosiers have struggled to put together a full 40-minute performance at a consistent rate.

There is going to be packed Assembly Hall crowd today with there being no football game. Indiana basketball will need to feast off that energy and play with non-stop effort. You can not sleepwalk vs a team like South Carolina.

Need to see a little bit more out of Myles Rice 

The standouts for Indiana basketball so far this season has been the front court of Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau, and Oumar Ballo. Even guys like Trey Galloway and Bryson Tucker have been bright spots off the bench as well.

One guy that has been a little quiet for Indiana basketball has been starting lead guard Myles Rice.

Through two games, he is averaging 8.0 points however he is also averaging 3.5 turnovers. He has been a little shaky at times but has showed some good signs of play as well.

For Rice in this game, it will be all about controlling the pace and limiting the turnovers. If he can be the lead guard that Indiana brought him to be, the Hoosiers will be in good shape.

One of your top non-conference games of the season, have to win

Outside of Battle 4 Atlantis, this is Indiana top non-conference opponent this season. While South Carolina is not a Blue Blood Power 5 team, it still a game vs a SEC opponent.

Indiana basketball has to find a way to win this game, no question about it.

Things will get much harder when Indiana travels to the Bahamas, but with a game vs a power five team at home, it is a game you have to take advantage of.

South Carolina has struggled to start the season, but this could end up being a quality win for the Hoosiers as the season goes on.

Podcast: Talkin’ Bout The Hoosiers Ep. 32 – Playoff chances for Indiana Football and Indiana Basketball’s start to the season

Series History

The last time Indiana basketball played South Carolina was back during the 1998-99 season in Indianapolis (IN). The Hoosiers won 76-55 and were led in scoring by former Indiana basketball forward Luke Recker.

Indiana leads this series 2-1

More: Bryson Tucker has shown ‘a little bit of everything’ on the floor to begin his IU basketball career

Indiana basketball Injury Updates

Anthony Leal: Leal missed the last three games with a lower body injury he sustained vs Tennessee. He is questionable.

Story: ‘It just opens up the whole floor for us’: Trey Galloway’s playmaking ability an early bright spot for Indiana basketball

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (2-0) vs South Carolina (2-1)

When?: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 • 3 p.m. ET

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

TV: Peacock (Paul Burmeister, Robbie Hummel)

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

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball is listed a 7.5-point favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

SEE ALSO: ‘He is the ideal player for me and my staff’: Trent Sisley makes his Indiana basketball pledge official and signs with the Hoosiers

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