BLOOMINGTON — Indiana defeated Ohio State on Saturday evening at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall by a final score of 71-65.
Ohio State led at halftime 38-37. The Hoosiers were led in the game by Malik Reneau with 23 points and a team high seven rebounds. Xavier Johnson added 18 points.
The three keys to the game, highlights and expanded stats are below.
See also: Woodson, Johnson and Gunn postgame Q&A
Indiana (11-4, 3-1) will next travel to Rutgers for a 7 p.m. ET Tuesday tip in Piscataway, N.J.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Second half defense/Second half Reneau. Indiana’s defense improved substantially after the break. The Hoosiers held Ohio State to 28 percent shooting in the second half including 2-of-12 from three, while forcing seven Buckeye turnovers. Meanwhile, as he’s done many times this season, sophomore forward Malik Reneau took over in the second half, pouring in 19 second half points on his way to 23 for the game.
2. Xavier Johnson and CJ Gunn provide sparks, Galloway facilitates. Guard play has been an issue for Indiana, but they got major contributions on Saturday evening. With a game under his belt off injury, Xavier Johnson was a major factor with 18 points, 3 assists and no turnovers. C.J. Gunn scored 10 off the bench, and Trey Galloway had seven assists and just one turnover.
3. Hoosiers take care of the ball. Indiana committed just four turnovers on the night, while forcing 14 on Buckeye miscues. This comes directly after a 19 turnover performance against Nebraska earlier in the week. The improved ball security helped IU overcome a disastrous night on the glass. Ohio State outrebounded the Hoosiers 49-27 and snared 22 offensive boards.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINAL STATS
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