BLOOMINGTON — Indiana opened the 2023-24 season with 69-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The Hoosiers led 28-26 at halftime. They were led in the game by Trey Galloway with 16 points. Malik Reneau added 15 as IU put four in double figures on the evening.
Below are the three keys to the game, highlights, and final stats.
See also: Woodson, Galloway and Ware discuss the win.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME (will be updated)
1. Three guard lineup fuels run. Indiana was down 48-42 with 10:54 left and looked to be in some trouble. But IU coach Mike Woodson called a timeout, went with a three guard lineup featuring Xavier Johnson, Trey Galloway and Gabe Cupps, and the Hoosiers went on a 14-0 run over the next 3:45. Cupps played 12 minutes in the second half of his first college game and had two steals as he helped to energize an improved defensive effort down the stretch.
2. FGCU doesn’t have a 7-footer. With his length, Kel’el Ware could do things Gulf Coast didn’t have an answer for. He soared over the Eagles for blocks and rebounds. The 7-footer had a massive debut with 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. He made 8-of-12 from the free throw line and made a 3-pointer.
3. Offensive answers in the second half, Hoosiers have balance. Sophomore forward Malik Reneau and senior guard Trey Galloway combined to go 9-of-12 from the field in the second half and they had 21 points after the break as the veterans led a rally. The Hoosiers had four in double figures, with Ware and Xavier Johnson joining the party. Indiana scored 1.37 points per possession after the break, and that helped to offset a defense that was struggling to guard the 3-point line.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINAL STATS
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