Indiana took care of business against Bellarmine in a final tune up before the high level competition begins.
IU got out to an early 24-9 lead, and then closed the first half on a 10-2 run to cruise comfortably into halftime up 24. The Knights got as close as 18 early in the second half, but never really posed a serious threat as the Hoosiers would go on to lead by as much as 30.
Let’s take a deeper look at how Indiana won 92-69 with our latest edition of The Report Card.
The Hoosiers (2-0) will next face Syracuse on Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
—————————————-
OFFENSE (A-)
The Hoosiers put together an efficient night on the offensive end, scoring 1.38 points per possession. And what really stands out is the number of ways they were effective. IU made threes, dominated in the paint, got to the free throw line, and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds — 50% of their misses.
This looks like a balanced team in the way they score, and who scores. IU had five players with at least nine points. And players off the bench produced 46 points on the night. The Hoosiers have gotten 86 bench points through the first two games of the regular season.
IU did struggle at times with post doubles. At least a couple of their 12 turnovers came from that scenario.
Obviously we can’t really evaluate this team until they play against fellow Power 4s, but there’s reason for optimism on this end of the floor.
DEFENSE (C)
The IU defense was really good for the first 11 minutes of the game, allowing just seven points through that span while forcing seven turnovers. Indiana was in passing lanes and disruptive. But Bellarmine would use that aggression against the Hoosiers.
DeVries said the defensive communication dropped as the game wore on, and the Hoosiers got beat on several back cuts over the course of the evening. Without any meaningful size, Bellarmine scored 36 points in the paint. That’s a level you rarely see a lower level program achieve against a high major.
Same goes for Bellarmine’s 55.8% shooting from two — the second straight low-major to shoot a high percentage from close range. That is something IU needs to get fixed or high majors will feast.
And after those seven early turnovers, Bellarmine had just 12 total for the game. IU coach Darian DeVries believes his team is losing focus on defense when they are on the opposite end of the court from the IU bench.
“After two games, I like my first half team. The first half team has been good,” DeVries said. “Second half, I feel like we’ve gotten away from our bench, and the communication has dropped defensively, especially in both the games.
“For us, maintaining that focus when you have a lead is a quality you have to have too. I didn’t think our intensity in both the second halves defensively was up to our standard.”
For the game IU allowed 1.04 points per possession, a number that is too high for the competition level.
On the positive side, the Knights were just 6 of 18 from three, and through two games opponents are just 9 of 32, or 28.1%, from deep.
SEE ALSO:
- Harris scores a career-high 23 points as IU knocks off Bellarmine 92-69
- Watch: IU basketball’s DeVries, Harris, Manhertz talk win over Bellarmine
- IU basketball: Indiana 92 Bellarmine 69 — Three keys, highlights, stats
THE PLAYERS (*starters)
*Aiden Sherrell (A-) This game was a step forward, as Sherrell did a little bit of everything. He was an efficient 5 of 6 from the field and Sherrell’s rim protection was really impactful. He made multiple good passes as well. After a steal he showed off his ability to handle the ball and go coast to coast.
*Samet Yigitoglu (B-) He had a fairly limited role, playing just 14 minutes. Yigitoglu had a couple turnovers in that brief run. But he’s skilled and nimble for his size, and he passes well from the middle of the floor.
*Jaeden Mustaf (B-) It wasn’t a big scoring night, and at times Mustaf can dribble himself into a jam. But he defended well.
*Darren Harris (A) Harris showed why DeVries is enthusiastic about him as a shooter. And he was more than just a shooter. He drew fouls on drives, went for steals, and got an and-one on an offensive rebound. This version of Harris can be a game-changer for Indiana.
*Markus Burton (C) This was clearly not Burton’s night. He was 0 of 7 from the field, he got beat on multiple back cuts on the defensive end, and he continues to struggle with fouls. But he didn’t let frustration distract him from his role as a facilitator, and Burton only had one turnover. His shots were generally not bad looks or forced attempts.
Bryce Lindsay (B+) While he is a volume scorer off the bench, Lindsay continues to show unselfishness. He scored 15 points in just 20 minutes, but also co-led the team with four assists. The biggest question at the moment is how good of a perimeter defender can he become?
Sam Alexis (B+) Alexis was efficient from the field and crashed the offensive glass. He did commit a couple turnovers.
Trent Sisley (B) Sisley had a really strong showing on the glass, with six rebounds in just 17 minutes. He made a really nice extra pass in the paint for an assist.
Trevor Manhertz (A-) The freshman just oozes potential. He made two threes, pulled down five rebounds, and helped out with a block at the rim in 19 minutes off the bench. He’s averaging 10.0 points through two games.
Vaughn Karvala, Clemens Sokolov, Justin Monden and Drew Snively also made brief appearances.
————————
Prince-Alexander Moody is out with an injury.
For complete coverage of IU basketball, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on X: @daily_hoosier and find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
