IU basketball: Indiana 74 Chattanooga 65 — Three keys, highlights, final stats

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana defeated Chattanooga on Saturday afternoon at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall by a final score of 74-65.

The Hoosiers led 41-38 at halftime. They were led in the game by Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako, with 14 points apiece.

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

Indiana (9-3) will return to action on Dec. 29 against Winthrop.

Watch: Woodson, Reneau and Mgbako discuss win over Chattanooga

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Defense improves after slow start. Chattanooga started the game 11-of-19 from the field, and that led them to as much as a seven-point lead in the first half. But the Mocs only ended up shooting 40.7% from the field, scored just 27 second half points, and committed 13 turnovers.

2. Balanced scoring key once again. The Hoosiers had nine players enter the scoring column, and six scored eight or more points. It’s been a recurring theme for IU — there isn’t just one player opposing defenses have to stop. Bench contributions from Bryson Tucker with nine points, and Kanaan Carlyle with eight were part of a 25 point overall bench effort.

3. Reneau plays through mistakes, contributes on both ends. Indiana junior forward Malik Reneau struggled with fouls and turnovers. But he made clutch plays late in the game on his way to 14 points, eight rebounds including three on the offensive end. and four assists. Reneau was very active on the defensive end and added three steals and a block.

HIGHLIGHTS