IU basketball: Arizona 89 Indiana 75 — Three keys | Highlights

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Indiana lost to Arizona on Saturday evening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena by a final score of 89-75.

Arizona led 46-36 at halftime. The Hoosiers were led in scoring by Race Thompson with 16 points. Miller Kopp added 14.

Indiana (8-2, 1-1) travels to Kansas next Saturday.

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Early 19-point deficit too much. Arizona ran out to a 27-8 first half lead with 11:13 remaining before the break. The run coincided with the point guard Xavier Johnson’s second foul and departure from the game. Indiana struggled to slow the Wildcats’ offensive transition game during that span, and their early offense resulted in contested shots and several turnovers. The Hoosiers figured things out on the offensive end and mounted multiple rallies — but could never get closer than three.

2. Wildcats control the paint and glass. Indiana had made a living dominating the paint much of the season, but Arizona held a 42-22 points in the paint advantage and outrebounded IU 44-34, including 16 offensive rebounds. The Wildcats were the first team IU has faced that had more size upfront, and the Wildcats bothered IU’s shots in the paint and were able to establish post position very low for scoring opportunities that were too easy. Arizona’s length was able to bother Trayce Jackson-Davis both as scorer and passer.

3. Arizona hot from three in the second half. The Wildcats made 6-of-13 threes in the second half, and they moved the ball, assisting on 11 of 16 field goals after the break. Both teams shot an identical 10-of-25 from three, but Arizona was able to have a true inside-out presence that resulted in the most points Indiana has allowed this season. The 1.279 points per possession Arizona scored were the most IU has allowed during Mike Woodson’s tenure.

HIGHLIGHTS