Indiana basketball wrapped up non-conference play on Sunday with a 77-68 win over Winthrop but were without starting center Oumar Ballo.
Ballo, who was listed as questionable entering Sunday, was dressed during warmups but was not very active. After failing to see the floor, Mike Woodson addressed the Ballo situation.
“I’m not going to address that,” Woodson said postgame. “But didn’t have a lot of lead time. But that doesn’t matter. You know, guys that are in uniform have got to play, and he didn’t play tonight, and you know, we’ll sit down tomorrow and address his situation and get ready for Rutgers.”
Ballo entered Sunday’s game as one of the more consistent members of Indiana’s roster. He was averaging 12.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks a game this season. He had started all 12 games this season before this weekend.
While Ballo’s shot attempts are down, just 6.8 a game — the lowest since his sophomore season — his field goal percentage is at a career-best 70.1 percent.
With Ballo’s absence, it was Langdon Hatton who stepped in and played 26 minutes and finished with seven points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. He had played just 40 minutes total up until Sunday.
“Thank God for Langdon,” Woodson added. “I thought he played his butt off. Gave him the game ball. Here is a guy who never complains. He works in practice. He came and gave us a big lift when we needed it. That’s all about team. That goes a long way with me.”
Indiana basketball is 10-3 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play.
Next time out for the Hoosiers is at home on Thursday against Rutgers.
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