BASKETBALL

Team wide effort allows Indiana basketball to command the second half in road win over #11 Michigan State

An encouraging team performance showcased strong results across Indiana basketball’s rotation.

Published

13 hours ago

February 12, 2025

Indiana's Oumar Ballo, center, and the rest of the team celebrates a victory over Michigan State on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. (Syndication: Lansing State Journal)

Indiana basketball entered the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, on a five game losing streak. The program left the stadium with their heads held high following a massive 71-67 victory over #11 Michigan State.

Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson had made a huge adjustment with his starting five entering the game, sending Malik Reneau and Myles Rice to the bench, opting to start Trey Galloway and Luke Goode.

The major lineup switch allowed Goode to play extended minutes, letting Reneau and Rice provide big minutes off of the bench.

Goode, who’s been one of the most consistent and impactful players for the team recently, continued to stay on his hot streak. In addition to scoring 10 points on 50% shooting from both the field and beyond the arc, Goode collected a career high four steals in his 36 minutes of action. His impacts on both ends of the floor have been a major factor for Indiana as of recently.

On the other hand, while Reneau and Rice have primarily been used as starters this season, the duo combined for 29 points off the bench, both serving as huge assets in the second half.

Reneau showcased one of his best games of the season, picking up 19 points and 12 rebounds. 10 of Reneau’s points came in the final six minutes of the game, as he was a major key in putting away the game.

Woodson reflected on his decision to shift Reneau to the bench and what Reneau’s reaction was to the decision.

“I can’t say nothing about Malik because I went to him the other day and told him he wasn’t starting,” Woodson said. “It probably didn’t sit well with him but he said ‘coach whatever you need me to do’. He came in and played his ass off and that’s all you can ask for.”

Reneau was one of four Hoosiers to reach double-digit points and one of two Hoosiers to notch a double-double in the team win.

Reneau commented on the importance of the team continuing to stay focused in the game setting despite its previous struggles.

“We just come in together and try to play as hard as we can anytime we step onto the court.”

Playing hard was certainly what Indiana did in the second half, as the team retained its lead for the entire half.

Oumar Ballo was a significant contributor throughout the game, playing efficient on offense and crashing the rebounds on both ends. The big had himself his eighth double-double of the season, reeling in 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, 10 rebounds, three of which were offensive rebounds and passed the ball for two assists.

While Ballo fouled out in 26 minutes, he finished the game with a +/- of +13, the highest player efficiency result on Indiana.

In addition to strong performances, Indiana was able successfully close a game in the final minutes. Something the team has struggled at all season.

The combination of Anthony Leal, Mackenzie Mgbako, Reneau and Rice all worked together to knock down 10-of-10 attempts from the free throw line across the final 1:14 of regulation.

Consistency from the charity stripe from the group allowed Indiana to hold onto its lead until the final buzzer. The team never lost its lead after taking it for the first time at the 1:57 mark in the first half.

The much needed win puts Indiana back in the win column for the first time since its road win at Ohio State on Jan. 17.

With a team win under the players’ belt, Indiana will take its momentum back home, gearing up for a three game home stand, starting with UCLA on Friday night, an 8 p.m. est. tipoff.