Indiana Basketball Falls To Nebraska: 3 Takeaways

Indiana basketball was overpowered by Nebraska 85-68, their first Big Ten loss this season. This extended Nebraska’s win streak against Indiana to 4. 

Indiana basketball entered their second Big Ten conference game, coming off an 82-68 win over Minnesota. This score was nearly reversed as they fell to Nebraska 85-68 on the road on Dec. 13. The result marks not only Nebraska’s fourth straight win against the Hoosiers but also their fourth straight win by 15+ points. This final was somewhat unexpected as the Huskers stepped out onto the court, having come from a 98-52 loss to Michigan State. On Nov. 9, the Spartans beat Minnesota 90-72 – a score similar to the Hoosiers’ win against the Golden Gophers.

Takeaway #1: 3- point problem continues

Indiana Basketball’s 3-point performance was not pretty. The Hoosiers were only successful with 8 of their 35 3-point shots (22.86%). This has been a struggle for Indiana this whole season. It’s not that they lack the confidence to take the shots from outside the arc, but they’re just not dropping consistently.

Senior forward Luke Goode was 3-10 outside the arc, while graduate student guard Trey Galloway shot 3-9.

Indiana started the game by making its first five of nine three-pointers. However, it did not continue this success. The 35 attempts mark the highest number of 3-point shots taken in Mike Woodson’s four years as head coach. This consistent hole in Indiana’s performances has been looming over them and needs to be addressed soon.

Takeaway #2: It was an exciting night for Myles Rice

Redshirt sophomore guard Myles Rice was an obvious standout for the Hoosiers. He led the team in scoring with 20 points. This was a 180 from his previous game vs Minnesota, where he scored only 2 points.

The most memorable moment was in the middle of the 2nd half when he personally had a 13-0 run for IU. Indiana was trailing 58-51, and by the end of his run, the score was tied up 62-62. This led to a jumper by Kanaan Carlyle, giving the Hoosiers a 2-point lead with 9:57 to go.

Rice scored only 6 in the first half but put 14 on the board in the second. He finished the night shooting 8-13 (61.5%). Rice acknowledged his offensive presence,

“I just thought the flow of the game was right there for me to attack downhill and take advantage of the opportunities they presented us,” said Rice.

Indiana allowed Nebraska to pull away in the game’s final few minutes.

“We kinda took a couple of shots that were probably out of rhythm and didn’t play how we should’ve down the stretch… That’s a recipe for disaster when you put those two together,” said Rice.

While his performance was exceptional, it was not nearly enough to will the Hoosiers to a win.

Takeaway #3: 30 for Brice Williams

Nebraska’s 6-foot-7 wing Brice Williams dominated offensively. He led the team with 30 points, breaking his season record. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and had 5 assists. Seven of his points were scored with six minutes left in the game.

Indiana basketball just couldn’t defend Williams. Woodson singled him out and recognized him as the matchup’s threat.

“Once he got going, it was tough to shut him down. A lot of it was in isolation off the bounce. That’s something we got to get better in that area and off the dribble.” Woodson said.

The defense has also been a common issue for the Hoosiers. This undoubtedly needs to improve into the heart of the Big Ten season.

“We had no defensive presence to start the game,” said Woodson. “I know defense wins, especially when you’re not making shots.”

Next up for Indiana (8-3): vs. Chattanooga (6-4) – Dec. 21 at Noon

Next up for Nebraska (7-2): vs. Murray State – Dec. 22 at 9 p.m.