BASKETBALL

‘I never stopped believing in Trey’: Explosive second half performance from Trey Galloway ignites offense in win over Penn State

Up and down season for Trey Galloway beginning to turn around after lifting Indiana basketball to another needed victory.

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12 seconds ago

February 27, 2025

Dylan Traeger

Indiana's Trey Galloway (32) celebrates during the Indiana versus Penn St. mens basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (Syndication: The Herald-Times)

Once again, Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson has turned to seniority in big games, in which his veterans have continued to deliver.

After achieving a massive home win against in-state rival Purdue on Sunday, Indiana basketball hosted Penn State on Wednesday night, seeking a win in order to continue increasing postseason odds.

Indiana was down just two points to Penn State going into the second half of Wednesday’s contest. The game was a back and forth matchup, which remained that way for most of regulation, until senior guard Trey Galloway grabbed the lead and made sure to keep it in Indiana’s possession.

With under six minutes to play and Penn State leading, Galloway knocked down back to back three point balls in a span of just 0:37.

Galloway’s success from deep guided Indiana to a 13-4 scoring run, as Indiana never looked back and closed out the game.

In the second half alone, Galloway scored 12 points, all from three point attempts, shooting 4-of-5 from deep, while grabbing three rebounds, five assists and a steal. In 18 minutes of the second half, Galloway had himself a +/- of +10.

In addition to Galloway’s impressive shooting performance from three, Indiana as a team shined from outside the perimeter.

Indiana shot 10-of-15 from downtown, which is the most efficient the team has shot from long-range since January 26, 2022, where Indiana shot 10-of-13 in a 74-57 victory over none other than Penn State.

Galloway reflected on what led Indiana to its stunning three point shooting performance.

“We knew that they’re a heavy team that closes in on gaps and we were going to be able to get open shots and keep shooting the ball with confidence,” Galloway stated. “That’s the biggest thing we’ve been kind of preaching… guys setting screens and moving the ball… we’re doing a great job of sharing it. Guys are being unselfish and really wanting to find ways for us to score.”

The season hasn’t always came with success for Galloway, who lost his role in the starting lineup for nearly half of the season.

Woodson praised Galloway heavily after the game, showing lots of faith in the fifth year senior despite his up and down season.

“I never stopped believing in Trey,” Woodson said on Galloway’s up and down season. “Trey’s been with me the longest. He’s put up with a lot of shit from me… at the end of the day I know he’s going to play hard and give 100 percent when he’s out there, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Woodson wasn’t the only coach speaking highly on Galloway after the game. Penn State head coach Mike Rhoades left a nice remark on Galloway on his performance.

“I don’t know if he’s the best player in the league, but I think he’s the most valuable. Dude’s a winner. He’s out there and he’s leading the charge for Indiana. They seem like they make a lot of the right plays and it starts with him.”

Recently, when Indiana has needed him the most, Galloway has been there to assist. Galloway played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win over Purdue and surely left his mark tonight.

The win over Penn State marks Indiana’s third win in the last four games. Mike Woodson and his core of veteran players have made a statement in the month of February, continuing to increase the team’s chances for March Madness play.

Indiana will close out its three game home stand with two wins. The team will begin its west coast trip on Saturday night, facing Washington, a 6:00 p.m. EST tipoff.