Indiana basketball looks to ‘clear everybody’s minds’ with upcoming break after more ‘discouraging’ signs over recent play

This weekend was another opportunity for Indiana basketball to take a step in a positive direction. If for nothing more, to show improvement in certain areas that had been an emphasis over the last week from head coach Mike Woodson. Saturday did not show that.

It was eight days since IU took the floor — a 17-point loss to Nebraska. The focal points of the last week were defense and continuity and neither were sharp in its nine-point win, 74-65, over Chattanooga.

IU brought little energy throughout much of the first half and saw a quick 21-14 deficit hit the scoreboard. After trialing for the majority of the first half, Indiana did enough to take a three-point lead into the half. But, it was anything but positivity inside of Assembly Hall. It was once again the same deficiencies that plagued the Hoosiers and it was a ‘discouraging’ sign from head coach Mike Woodson.

“Well, we just got to keep working at it. Man, that is something — we prepared all week for this team. Worked on a lot of things,” Woodson said postgame. “I didn’t see a lot of good things from my work that we put in this week. That’s kind of discouraging.”

Indiana’s offensive struggles were on display once again, shooting just 25 percent (5-of-20) from three and 55 percent (11-of-20) from the foul line. IU had just two players in double figures as Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau had 14 points a piece. IU’s backcourt was just 5-of-15 and 1-of-7 from three. Indiana’s bench, however, stepped up again with 25 points, four of five reserves scoring.

Now it’s about getting both units to produce at a high level, or at least a consistent level.

“Our bench was pretty good for us. They came in and played solid, I thought,” Woodson said. “Probably should have played them the whole game and sat the starting unit down. But at the end of the day, I have to get all the guys clicking when they’re on the floor playing. It’s a work in progress still, but there’s still a long way to go and I’ve got to keep pushing.”

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