IU basketball: Indiana 65 Maryland 53 — Three keys, highlights, final stats

BLOOMINGTON — In their 2023-24 Big Ten opener, Indiana defeated Maryland on Friday evening by a final score of 65-53 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Indiana led 40-28 at halftime and by as much as 23 in the second half. The Hoosiers were led in the game Kel’el Ware with 18 points and 14 rebounds. IU put four in double figures in a balanced offensive effort.

The three keys to the game, highlights and final stats are below. For Mike Woodson and the IU players postgame, GO HERE.

Indiana (6-1, 1-0) will travel to Michigan on Tuesday.

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Cure for what ailed them. Indiana’s early season bugaboos — 3-point defense and rebounding — were non-issues in this one. Maryland shot just 2-of-16 from three, and IU held a 46-30 rebounding advantage. Those factors contributed to an overall strong defensive effort. The Terps shot just 35.7 percent from the field and scored just .841 points per possession.

2. Kel’el Ware ready for Big Ten physicality. The IU big man didn’t fare well against UConn in his first game against a high major, but he was up to the task in his Big Ten opener. The 7-footer had a double-double with 18 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Maryland threw double and even triple teams at Ware but he was an efficient 8-of-12 from the field. On the other end he bothered the shot of Maryland’s Julian Reese, who made just 5-of-11.

3. Galloway dynamic with Johnson out. With starting point guard Xavier Johnson out with an injury, IU needed a dynamic playmaker, and senior guard Trey Galloway provided the answer. Galloway had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists against two turnovers. He tied his career highs in both rebounds and assists. Galloway did his scoring at the rim, getting points in transition and off dribble-drives and cuts to the paint.

HIGHLIGHTS