Indiana 90 Oakland 55 – Keys from another strong home win for IU women’s basketball

BLOOMINGTON – After another week off, Indiana women’s basketball took care of business at home, earning a 90-55 win against Oakland in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday Afternoon.

Here are a few keys to Indiana’s winning performance.

SYDNEY PARRISH WITH A QUALITY RETURN

Parrish had missed the past five games for the Hoosiers, but when she made her returning appearance against Oakland, it looked like she hadn’t missed a step. Parrish, wearing a brace on her left knee, finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and an assist in only 19 minutes of action. She was also key in Indiana’s defensive effort, adding a block and a steal to her stat line.

Parrish’s skillset is critical for Indiana to continue offensive success heading into the Big Ten season. Her combination of size and shooting ability forces defenses to be aware of wherever she is in man-to-man pressure. However, against a zone defense similar to what Oakland played against the Hoosiers, she adds another body on the perimeter that can burn opponents from outside.

Either way, it’s very evident Parrish completes Indiana’s plans offensively, and if she can stay healthy, IU will only continue to mesh.

NEAR-PERFECT SECOND HALF OFFENSIVELY

Indiana (9-3) had some struggle getting it going offensively in the first half, but the second was a different story. The Hoosiers finished 18-for-27 from the field in the second half, good for 66 percent. They also started to find more of a groove from beyond the arc, finishing 7-for-11 on 3s in the half. Indiana got their production from all around, as they finished with 40 bench points, compared to Oakland’s 11.

Shay Ciezki led all scorers with 20 points on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting effort. Overall, IU shot 31-for-56 on the night, and 11-for-24 from beyond the arc.