Indiana basketball defeated Washington 78-62 as they continue to fight for a spot in the NCAA tournament. This victory improved Indiana’s record to 9-9 in the Big Ten (18-11 overall).
Indiana basketball has undoubtedly been through its ups and downs this season. Between playing on a losing streak, knowing about head coach Mike Woodson’s departure after the season, maneuvering through injuries and illness, and plain negative energy around the fanbase, it has been challenging for the Hoosiers. It is evident now that Indiana is playing the way Indiana basketball has played in the past. From their fresh back-to-back home wins, Indiana competed with grit to overcome the Huskies, keeping their tournament dreams alive. Also, since Woodson announced his retirement, the Hoosiers have been on a roll, defeating Michigan State and Purdue.
Takeaway #1: Malik Reneau came back with no rust
It was uncertain whether junior Malik Reneau would get on the Thursday flight, much less play against Washington. He took a trip to the emergency room on Wednesday with an illness, which prevented him from competing against Penn State. The team doctor gave him the all-clear to board the team flight and head to Seattle.
This did not negatively affect his performance on Saturday night, however. He had arguably one of his strongest performances yet this season, following up his 7-for-7, 15-point game against rival Purdue.
Reneau didn’t start against the Huskies but came off the bench hot, putting up a game-high 22 points. His accuracy was impressive, finishing 10-13 from the field. He sank his first six shots of the game. He was agile and sharp, shooting from the paint and taking quick drives to the basket when given the opportunity.
He scored in double figures for the sixth straight game this season. Reneau continues to be a key player on this Indiana basketball team.
Takeaway #2: Goode from the perimeter
Scoring 18 points, Senior Luke Goode continues to bring success offensively for Indiana basketball.
When Goode sets himself up for a shot beyond the arc, 46% of the time, it is followed by a roar of cheers from the crowd (in Bloomington, at least). The Illinois transfer has been a three-point shooting machine this season.
Against the Huskies, Goode went 5-for-9. He has shot 13-of-31 during his past five games. This stretch has consisted of four wins and only one loss.
As Goode continues to stay hot from downtown, so does Indiana. They were looking like one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the Big Ten throughout the season—against Winthrop in December, they even shot 1-for-20 from 3-point territory. They indeed have turned a corner in this category, however. They are 50% (19-of-38) on triples in their past two games. This is precisely the type of progression that needs to be seen heading into post-season play.
Takeaway #3: (Not so) Great Osobor
Senior big Great Osobor has been a consistent player all season. Going into the game, he averaged 14.9 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Indiana basketball locked him down completely. In his 24 minutes of play, the leading scorer couldn’t even score a field goal. He went 0-for-5 inside the paint. His four points were part of his 4-of-6 from the stripe. Osobor was unsuccessful with his one three-point attempt—he was shooting 47.3% from behind the arc before the game. He assisted once during the contest.
In his first few minutes on the court, Osobor turned the ball over without much thought process. He never was able to get into the intense flow of the game at hand.
“He’s a load, man, in terms of what he does offensively, and we knew that coming in,” said Woodson.
Washington’s chances of participating in the Big Ten tournament this year are very unlikely, as they currently sit at the bottom of the conference.
The Question: Will Indiana basketball make it to the NCAA Tournament? The Hoosiers have two regular-season games remaining: Oregon and Ohio State. They certainly won’t be easy competitions, but judging by Indiana’s recent work ethic and results, they have a chance—one that viewers during the middle of the season weren’t expecting.
Up next for Indiana basketball (18-11) (9-9): at Oregon (21-8) (10-8)-Mar. 4 at 9:00 p.m. EST
Up next for Washington basketball (13-16) (4-14): at USC (14-15) (6-12)-Mar. 5 at 10:30 p.m. EST