Indiana didn’t need its offense to find a rhythm to take control of its season opener. The Hoosiers’ defense did the work, forcing 22 turnovers from Eastern Illinois — the most against any Indiana opponent since 2021 — and turning them into 29 points in a 91-57 win at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The Panthers, ranked among the country’s lowest teams by KenPom entering the night, never solved Indiana’s pressure. By halftime, they had already given the ball away 14 times, and added eight more after the break.
The pressure showed up in every phase. Indiana took away passing lanes, closed out on shooters and got its hands on the ball. Eastern Illinois finished with 13 assists against those 22 turnovers, a ratio that shows how little the Panthers could do in the half-court.
The turning point came midway through the first half. Indiana led just 21-19 at the under-12 media timeout, then closed the half on a 20-2 run over the final 8:22. During that stretch, Eastern Illinois went more than nine minutes without a made field goal, missing its last six attempts of the half. Indiana led 44-23 at the break.
“We thought our ball pressure and things, our activity really picked up that second part of the first half,” DeVries said. “We had 14 turnovers we had created in in the in the first half. 22 overall, so still good.”
The defensive effort also kept Indiana out of foul trouble and put it in control at the free-throw line. The Hoosiers committed just 11 fouls compared to Eastern Illinois’s 22 and finished 24-for-32 from the stripe, which helped keep the margin comfortable even when the 3-point shot wasn’t falling; Indiana shot 9-for-24 from deep.
Indiana’s size also made a difference. Samet Yigitoglu set the tone inside early, and he finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. DeVries made getting bigger a priority this offseason, and it showed on both ends. The Hoosiers won the rebounding battle 34-26 and outscored the Panthers 15-3 in second-chance points.
“I was really pleased you know with the offense,” DeVries said. “It has got to be a strength of ours and I thought it was again today.”
Balance was another theme in Assembly Hall on opening night. All nine Hoosiers who played more than 10 minutes scored at least five points. Markus Burton led the way with 19 points and 5 assists in his Indiana debut, while Bryce Lindsay added 14, including three 3-pointers. Aiden Sherrell added 9 points and 6 rebounds, and Jaeden Mustaf finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds.
Eastern Illinois found some offense after halftime, shooting better than 55 percent in the second half. Demar Burton led the Panthers with 10 points, and Daniel Ntambwe and Tanner Vogel each had eight points. Turnovers and foul trouble kept the Panthers from ever making a run.
Indiana now shifts its focus to Thursday, when it faces Bellarmine. If the Hoosiers bring the same ball pressure, the offense won’t need to find a rhythm early. The defense will make sure it gets plenty of chances.
