BASKETBALL

‘Understand how embarrassing and unacceptable this is’: Indiana basketball blown out of Assembly Hall in demoralizing loss to #19 Illinois

Nothing seemed to go Indiana’s way as the program has now suffered back-to-back 25-plus-point conference losses.

Published

19 seconds ago

January 15, 2025

Jan 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Myles Rice (1) and Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) fight during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana basketball opened up a tough stretch of conference games Tuesday night, hosting a conference rival in #19 Illinois.

A lot was on the line going into the game vs Illinois. The matchup against Illinois marked a true test of whether Indiana would be capable of competing with top teams, as Indiana was set to face six ranked opponents in its upcoming ten games.

Not only was Indiana unable to rise to the occasion, but also allowed Illinois to run Indiana out of its own gym.

Indiana was down just 12-8 going into the first media timeout before completely collapsing, allowing Illinois to go on an 8-0 scoring run before running away with the game.

The competitive early start to the game Indiana had created, quickly disappeared.

Indiana allowed Illinois to score 60 first half points.

Not only did Illinois have a 28 point lead at halftime, but the Fighting Illini also out rebounded Indiana 29-18 on the half, while also not allowing Indiana to connect for a single three pointer.

While Indiana took slight control of the game in the second half, outscoring Illinois 37-34, Indiana continued to embarrass themselves late game.

Luke Goode was boxing out his defender when he was charged with a foul, his fifth, which removed him from the game.

As Goode started to have words with the referee who blowed the whistle, Illinois’ Tomislav Ivisic got into Goode’s face, resulting in Myles Rice running in to push Ivisic out of Goode’s space.

Oumar Ballo soon came flying in, pushing Ivisic to the ground, where he landed on top of two photographers.

This scene caused parts of the benches to clear, as Ballo and Rice had to be removed from the situation, along with some of Illinois’ bench who tried to enter the situation.

Ballo and Rice were both charged with technical fouls.

Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson assessed the altercation with his players involved in the rumble.

“They’re taking up for each other. I get that. In the heat of the battle anything is liable to happen. I don’t condone players pushing players or their player got into our player’s face. It went back and forth, two guys pushing and shoving.”

Ballo’s technical foul was not the only result he received. He also was ejected from the game. Ballo concluded his performance scoring 16 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, shooting 7-for-11 from the field.

Ballo’s double-double was his fifth of the season. He now has recorded four double-double’s in his last five games.

Looking back at the situation, Goode didn’t think his teammates handled everything in the best manner.

“I think it got blown way out of proportion… I don’t think Ballo reacted in the right way. He stood up for me and Myles did, which I really appreciate that. That’s what team looks like. But it was a little too much. I think Ballo should have controlled his emotions a little bit. Makes us look bad as a program, and that’s not the kids that we have in the locker room.”

While discussing Ballo’s ejection, Woodson brought up the idea of Ballo’s status for Friday’s game at Ohio State being in jeopardy.

“There is not a whole lot I can do… I’m sure the commissioner and everybody will take a look at what happened and make a decision on what they plan on doing. I just hope Ballo is with us our next game as we travel over to Ohio.”

With Indiana dropping the conference game, 94-69, the loss marked back-to-back 25-plus-point losses for Indiana, an occurrence that hasn’t happened since 2008 for the program.

Anthony Leal was not pleased with type of play recently from Indiana.

“Things need to be addressed between players and themselves and players and each other. I think that’s really the root of it. We just got to lock in, look in the mirror, and understand how embarrassing and unacceptable this is.”

The team will have the chance to turn things around on Friday, as they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State.

In the scenario that Ballo does not play on Friday against Ohio State due to a potential suspension, Indiana would be without two of their big men in Ballo and Malik Reneau, who’s been sidelined with a right knee injury since Jan. 2 against Rutgers.

With the way Indiana has been playing as of recently plus the idea of not having Ballo and Reneau on Friday, Indiana will certainly have a lot to overcome in Columbus.

Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET at the Schottenstein Center.