The whole game was an intense battle, but Indiana basketball came out on top.
The Hoosiers and the Nittany Lions have faced off for the second time this season. When they last played each other in January, Indiana won in Happy Valley 77-71. Throughout the past 10 matchups, the two teams are tied 5-5.
The final score on Wednesday night was 83-78. This game marks the first Big Ten game this season in which both teams shot at least 60% from the field and at least 50% from beyond the arc in a half.
Since head coach Mike Woodson announced his retirement at the commencement of this season, the Hoosiers have been on fire. They have had two significant upsets: a 71-67 away win against No. 11 Michigan State and a dominating 73-58 win in Bloomington against rival No. 13 Purdue. Their 24 assists on their 29 made baskets against the Nittany Lions on Wednesday night reflect how the team is coming together.
Indiana’s win keeps their tournament dreams alive. It was essential that they were victorious against Penn State.
“We still have a chance and were fighting for a spot in the tournament,” said senior Trey Galloway.
Takeaway #1: 3-point success
It is no secret that Indiana basketball has been futile when it comes to three-pointers. However, tonight, they changed that narrative. Shooting 66.7% from outside the arc, the Hoosiers sunk threes that made the Assembly Hall crowd erupt. They just doubled their average three-point percentage per game. In this game, they even had a higher three-point shooting percentage than their shots from the field and free throws.
Galloway was largely responsible for the team’s three-point success. He shot 4-5 from downtown, and at one point, when the Hoosiers had made the last five of their triples, four of them were shot by Galloway. While he did have six turnovers, he made up for it offensively by scoring 16 points and dishing out 9 assists.
Also sinking shots from outside were Mackenzie Mgbako, Luke Goode, Myles Rice, and Kanaan Carlyle. *Fans especially got fired up when Carlyle put his triple on the board.*
This marks only the second game this season that Indiana has made 10 or more 3s. When was the other time? Back on Jan. 2 vs the Rutgers Scarlett Knights.
Takeaway #2: Ballo’s domination in the paint
Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo has been a beast for Indiana. Just before the game, Malik Reneau was out due to illness. The result? Ballo is put in the starting five.
It wasn’t smooth sailing for Ballo for the entirety of the game. He struggled against Penn State’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who played for 36 minutes and scored 16 points. However, he looked more like himself as the game continued.
He has recorded a double-double both times this season when he has played against the Nittany Lions. He led the Hoosiers in points and rebounds, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He also assisted five times.
From the stripe, Ballo shot 4-6. Inside the arc, he made 8 of his 14 shots. He averaged 22.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4 assists against Penn State during the two times they have faced off this season. Those in Happy Valley certainly are happy that they won’t have to face Ballo again this season.
Malik Reneau’s absence also gave the green light to both Carlyle and Langdon Hatton.
Takeaway #3: Baldwin was a key PSU player
The “enthusiasm” from the student section at Assembly Hall was so loud that even the announcers brought it up. This “enthusiasm” was blatantly directed toward Penn State’s Ace Baldwin Jr.
He was a massive threat to Indiana. He sunk triple after triple, silencing his “haters”— at least until he got the ball again. One thing to remember about the Big Ten is that you don’t want to get into it with the crowd during the game, especially when playing a school that treats basketball like religion.
Baldwin was a key to Penn State’s success. His 22 points nearly led to Indiana’s demise. He shot 6-12 from the field, 4-8 from outside the arc, and an almost perfect game from the line, shooting 6-7.
He is averaging 93.4% on free throws. This accuracy definitely showed against Indiana basketball.
Next up for Indiana basketball (17-11, 8-9): at Washington (13-15, 4-13) — Mar. 1 at 6 p.m. EST
Next up for Penn State basketball (15-14, 5-13): vs. No. 16 Maryland (21-7, 11-6) — Mar. 1 at 12 p.m. EST