Uncovering the Details of Indiana's Battle

COACHING

In the first four games, Indiana's effort level has been inconsistent. Against UNC Greensboro, they were slow on the offensive end and got beaten on the offensive glass. Bringing in three subs at once early in the first half disrupted their rhythm, and they struggled to find offensive continuity. However, Coach Mike Woodson showed flexibility in the second half by leaving Bryson Tucker in for 16 minutes. It was a lesson in adapting to the game situation.

The coaches have to be prepared for games where the team might not be mentally sharp or play hard. Thursday evening's lack of effort was on them. But Woodson's adjustments in the second half showed his ability to make on-the-fly decisions.

OFFENSE

Indiana's offense was slow-paced throughout the game, struggling to score in the half-court set. After a hot start with 17 points in the first 6:18, they managed only 52 points in the remaining 33:42. Their effective field goal percentage of 45.8% was their lowest of the year, and they committed 14 turnovers, including some poor post feeds.

Several players showed tunnel vision, trying to force their way through traffic instead of passing to open shooters. However, the free throw line was a saving grace as they made 14 out of 16. They also did a good job on the offensive glass with 13 rebounds, but there were many missed shots.

DEFENSE

UNC Greensboro scored just under 0.86 points per possession. Indiana held their non-high-major opponents below this mark in all three games. The Spartans' shooting percentages were low, but Indiana still gave up a high volume of 3-point attempts. They had good contests but missed many makeable shots.

The real concern was UNCG's 17 offensive rebounds. Some were due to long rebounds from 3-pointers, but it was clear that the Spartans were more aggressive in chasing down misses. This is a trend that has been a problem for Indiana so far this season.

THE PLAYERS

*Mackenzie Mgbako

It was an off shooting night for Mgbako, and he didn't post good rebounding numbers either. Coach Woodson seemed frustrated with him on multiple occasions. After a hot start to the season, he didn't look confident towards the end.

Mgbako's performance showed that even star players can have off days and need to work on their consistency.

*Malik Reneau

Reneau seemed to rely less on his footwork and more on bully ball. He got his shot blocked several times as he tried to force things. But he had a good rebounding night, posting his fourth double-digit rebounding game in an IU uniform.

This shows that Reneau has different playing styles and needs to find the right balance.

*Oumar Ballo

The big man showed a soft touch in the paint, rebounded at a high rate, and bothered a ton of shots. His presence was felt on both ends of the floor.

Ballo's performance highlights his importance to the team and his ability to make an impact.

*Myles Rice

Rice picked up where he left off against South Carolina with a hot shooting start. He got to the rim for scores a couple of times in the second half to help IU pull away. But he also had a run of turnovers that were puzzling.

Rice's game is a mix of scoring and turnovers, and he needs to work on minimizing the latter.

*Kanaan Carlyle

Whatever confidence he gained against South Carolina was gone in this game. He had a poor shooting night, wasn't a presence on the glass, turned it over a couple of times, and didn't seem locked in on defense.

Carlyle's performance shows the importance of maintaining confidence and focus from game to game.

Trey Galloway

The fifth-year senior guard didn't look or move like himself on this night. There's not much more to say than he didn't have it, and we hope it was just a one-night issue.

Galloway's performance was a disappointment, but we'll hope for a better showing in the future.

Bryson Tucker

With his unique midrange game, Tucker scored 11 points in a little over six minutes in the second half. His run started right after UNC Greensboro tied the game at 40. Coach Woodson started calling plays for him, and he ended up with a career-high 14 points in 25 minutes off the bench.

Tucker's performance is a reminder of his potential and the importance of giving players opportunities.

Luke Goode

Goode made an important second-half three to help Indiana pull away. His teammates missed him a few times when he was open from behind the arc.

Goode's shooting was a key factor in the game and showed his value to the team.

Indiana (4-0) will play Louisville at the Battle 4 Atlantis in The Bahamas next Wednesday. They'll need to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses if they want to continue their winning streak.