IU basketball: Indiana 82 USC 69 — Three keys, highlights, final stats

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana defeated USC on Wednesday evening at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall by a final score of 82-69.

The game was tied at 38 at halftime. The Hoosiers were led in the game by Oumar Ballo with 23 points. Myles Rice added 19.

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

For Mike Woodson, Trey Galloway and Luke Goode postgame, GO HERE.

Indiana (13-3, 4-1) will travel to Iowa for a Saturday evening contest.

THREE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Strong second half start. For the second straight game, Indiana started the second half with high level play. It wasn’t an explosion like Sunday, but the Hoosiers outscored USC 27-14 over the first 12 minutes of the second stanza to create some breathing room. That followed a 26-16 finish to the first half as IU significantly outplayed the Trojans for the middle 20 minutes-plus of the game after falling behind by 10 in the first half.

2. Balanced scoring. It’s been a theme all season, and IU once again had a balanced scoring attack with four in double figures. Oumar Ballo posted a game high 23 points, Myles Rice had 19, Luke Goode 16, and Trey Galloway 11. And that all came despite a scoreless night from starter Mackenzie Mgbako. Ballo needed just 11 shots for his 23, Rice was 9-of-11 from the free throw line, and Goode was 4-of-5 from three.

3. Ball security, second chances. Indiana had a season low six turnovers against 17 assists. That gave them a little breathing room with just a 43.9% shooting night. Indiana also reached double figures in offensive rebounds once again with 11, providing another angle to maximize their chances each possession.

HIGHLIGHTS