Quick Hitters: Key takeaways from the Indiana basketball 90-55 win over Eastern Illinois

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana basketball got their second win of the season with a big 90-55 win over Eastern Illinois on Sunday afternoon.

After a sluggish start in the first half, the Hoosiers went on multiple big runs in the second half to take care of business in their second game of the season. Indiana basketball was once again led in scoring by sophomore wing Mackenzie Mgbako with 18 points with players such as Malik Reneau, Oumar Ballo, and Bryson Tucker also scoring in double-figures, as well.

Here are some quick takeaways from IU’s win.

Rough first half, responded in second half: Let’s just say, it took a little bit for Indiana basketball to wake up on this fall Sunday afternoon. The Hoosiers did not have a good showing in the first half of the game vs Eastern Illinois which was a little worrisome in the moment. There was a significant lack of energy on both ends of the floor and really no Indiana basketball — maybe besides Mackenzie Mgbako — acted like they wanted to be out there. At the half, the Hoosiers were even trialing EIU 37-36. Once the second half got underway, the switch was flipped and the Hoosiers played a completely different level going on multiple big runs and put the Panthers away at around the 14 minute mark. It is concerning that Indiana basketball started off so slow and sluggish but it is also encouraging to know that they have the awareness to know that they are better team and need to act like it. This was the biggest win margin-wise in the last two seasons.

Mackenzie Mgbako picks up where he left off: The sophomore forward was once again out there putting a show and hooping. Through two games, it is safe to say that Mgbako has taken his game to a new level and is doing things on the floor that he simply was not doing during his freshman season. After starting off the season with a 31 point outing, Mgbako followed that up with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting which included 2-of-4 from three. He also added 7 rebounds and 4 assists, as well. While the scoring has been impressive to watch, Mgbako’s new found high motor on both ends of the floor has been the difference maker. He is showing a willingness to crash the glass and is defending a super high level. It is super early in the season, but Mgbako may be Indiana’s best player this season before it is all said and done.

The starting front court dominates: There is a strong feeling that we are going to be seeing this headline multiple times this season, but the starting front court of Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo really shined today for the Hoosiers. Together, both Reneau and Ballo combined for 34 points and 15 rebounds on the day. Both of these big man played with a real high motor for the majority of the game and during Indiana’s second sure, Reneau and Ballo played like difference makers when out there. Reneau has improved in so many areas of his game while Ballo has come in and just been a constant force in the paint. The front court is once again a major strength for the Hoosiers.

Trey Galloway is Indiana’s top facilitator right now: While there were concerns that is was going to take Galloway time to get in full basketball shape, the 5th-year senior has been a bright spot off the bench for Indiana while also being the team’s best current facilitator. In this win over EIU, Galloway came off the bench and dished out a game-high 8 assists while also contributing five points as well. Through two games this season, Galloway has 17 assists to 4 turnovers in 35 minutes off the bench for Indiana basketball. The Indiana native has added more and more to his game since his freshman year and by the looks of it, this season is where you are going to see him in complete form.

Bryson Tucker continues to shine: The lone the freshman of this Indiana basketball team can play, man. Tucker got some extended minutes in this win over Eastern Illinois which ultimately led him to being the leading scorer off the bench finishing with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Although it has been a small sample size, Tucker has made the most of his time on the floor so far this season doing special things while in the game. His ability to get out and run plus attack closeouts has been big for Indiana basketball season and his scoring 12ft and in will be something that is off Indiana’s advantage this season. As the season progresses, you see Tucker’s minutes increase because great things happen when he is on the basketball floor.

See Also: Coach Postgame Q&A: Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson reacts to win over Eastern Illinois

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