IU basketball: Illinois 70 Indiana 62 — Three keys, highlights, final stats

CHAMPAIGN, ILL — Indiana lost to Illinois on Saturday afternoon at State Farm Center by a final score of 70-62.

Illinois led at halftime 38-34. The Hoosiers were led in the game by Malik Reneau with 21 points.

The three keys to the game, final stats and highlights are below.

Indiana (12-8, 4-5) will host Iowa on Tuesday in Bloomington.

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Nothing from three. Indiana did not make a three-pointer the entire game (0-of-9), and the Hoosiers were just 12-of-22 from the free throw line including two last minute misses by Xavier Johnson. IU shot 55.5 percent from inside the arc and scored 46 points in the paint, but they couldn’t find any other complimentary scoring options. IU’s previous season low for threes in a game came in the win over Louisville.

2. Illini own the offensive glass. Illinois had 14 offensive rebounds on the day, and they scored 13 points off those second chances. The Illinois rebound margin was just 20-19 at the break, but they ended up plus-seven overall on the glass. Freshman Mackenzie Mgbako was IU’s leader on the boards with a career-high 12, but Indiana struggled without leading rebounder Kel’el Ware, who missed a second straight game with an ankle injury.

3. No bench production. Indiana’s starting lineup was strong to open both halves, but the Hoosiers’ bench produced just two points vs. 21 for Illinois. IU only played eight, and back guards Gabe Cupps and Anthony Leal were minus-15 and minus-12, respectively. The bench also produced just two rebounds, and had as many turnovers as assists. The starters opened the game with an eight point lead, and went on a 19-4 run spanning the end of the first half and beginning of the second.

HIGHLIGHTS