Indiana basketball continues to look the part of a completely overhauled program, running away from what should end up being a solid Milwaukee team.
The Hoosiers pulled out to a 19-8 lead eight minutes into the game, and from there the margin ranged from 5 to 15 points as Milwaukee hung around in the first half. The Panthers kept battling, and pulled to within nine — 53-44 with 17:22 left in the game. But then IU pulled away for good. The lead swelled to 19 with 10:23 left and kept growing from there to as much as a 33-point margin
Let’s take a deeper look at how Indiana won 101-70 with our latest edition of The Report Card.
Indiana (3-0) will host Incarnate Word Sunday afternoon in Bloomington.
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OFFENSE (A)
At 1.43 points per possession, Indiana had its most efficient game since the 2016-17 season. The formula against Milwaukee followed the early pattern we’ve seen this season — low turnovers (7), high assist totals (23 assists on 34 makes), and good 3-point shooting (14 of 28).
In Indiana’s offense, there is constant movement, good spacing, and the ball rarely sticks.
“If we’re moving the ball and cutting and screening, we’re hard to guard,” forward Reed Bailey said. “You can see with what we’re doing right now, and then with the shooters we got on the floor, I think we’re just a really good basketball team when we’re able to move the ball like we have.”
IU made 62.5% from two and 50% from three while adding 27 attempts at the free throw line. And even when they did miss IU snared 11 offensive rebounds.
One new element to the offense on Wednesday was their guards getting downhill and finishing in the paint, especially Tayton Conerway.
It was the third-straight game scoring at least 98 points to start the year, and that hot start has produced several “first time since” accomplishments:
- It’s the first time opening the season with 90-or-more points in three-straight contests since the 2007-08 campaign.
- It’s the first time IU has hit at least 10 3-point field goals in three-straight games since Dec. 19-28, 2016. It’s also the first time IU has hit at least 14 3-point field goals in consecutive games since Nov. 21-26, 2005.
- IU connected on 56.7% of its field goals in the victory. It’s the first time IU has shot at least 50.0% from the floor in three-straight games since Dec. 3-9, 2024.
- It’s the first IU team to provide 20-or-more assists in three-straight games since 2012-13 season (Nov. 27-Dec. 8, 2012).
- The Hoosiers scored at least 100 points in wins over Marquette (Nov. 9) and Milwaukee (Nov. 12). It’s the first time that IU has scored at least 100 points in consecutive regulation games since Nov. 21-26, 2005.
DEFENSE (B-)
Indiana’s defense was disruptive, forcing 15 Milwaukee turnovers and a season-high 21.2% turnover rate.
But they allowed their highest opposing effective field goal percentage of the season (50.8%) and Milwaukee was able to pull down 13 offensive rebounds. The Panthers were 5 of 11 from three in the first half and had eight offensive rebounds before the break. That led to 1.11 points per possession in the first half, which isn’t good at home against a mid-major.
IU coach Darian DeVries was visibly frustrated with his team in the first half.
“I didn’t think we were as hooked up as we typically we are, especially defensively,” DeVries said. “I thought we gave them some opportunities from the three-point line that we’ve put a lot of time into the last couple days.”
It’s early in the season, but DeVries seems to have come to recognize that his team’s ability to defend at a high level is what can lift their ceiling.
“Our whole focus is on the defense and the rebounding piece,” he said. “We know if we can get stops and limit people to one chance and now we get to play in transition, now we get to go do what we do best.”
IU showed substantial improvement in the second half defending the arc. Milwaukee was 0 of 6 from long range after the break. The Panthers scored .99 points per possession for the game.
MORE GAME COVERAGE
- With strong trends and identity already forming, IU men’s basketball’s offense looks ruthlessly potent
- Watch: IU basketball’s Darian DeVries, Tayton Conerway and Reed Baily talk win over Milwaukee
- IU basketball: Indiana 101 Milwaukee 70 — Three keys, highlights, final stats
THE PLAYERS (*starters)
*Tucker DeVries (B) DeVries was clearly the focus of the Milwaukee defense, as they made sure to give him no space to shoot, and put a bigger defender on him in an effort to minimize his impact in the paint. That led to some offensive inefficiency, but he still impacted the game in a number of ways, including three steals.
*Lamar Wilkerson (A) Wilkerson was lethal from three (5 of 6) and for the second straight game had no turnovers. He’s up to 12 assists and one turnover on the season. He’s also showing that he’s a capable defender.
*Reed Bailey (A-) With five rebounds and five assists, Bailey showed his versatility as a skilled big man. He made a three and even led the break at times.
*Conor Enright (B) Enright was steady and played his typical role as the guy who sticks his nose in and does the dirty work. He did a little bit of everything. He’s a better 3-point shooter than what he’s shown to this point.
*Tayton Conerway (A-) This was a strong effort by Conerway, who showed a very high ability to get to the paint off the bounce, and finish with physicality. He was a perfect 7 of 7 from two. He had six assists and two steals. The only nit would be he leaves his feet to pass at times, and that led to some of his three turnovers.
Sam Alexis (B) Alexis nearly led the team in rebounding despite only playing 12 minutes. But foul trouble limited his role.
Trent Sisley (A-) Sisley looked supremely confident shooting threes in the first half. He made a positive impact off the bench and helped IU get their first early separation from Milwaukee. He faded statistically in the second half, but the motor is always noticeable.
Jasai Miles (B) Miles seems to gaining confidence, even while dealing with a heavily bandaged shooting hand. He came to IU with a reputation as a strong rebounder for his size. He clearly hunts misses and tracks the ball well. He had five rebounds in just 12 minutes.
Nick Dorn (B) Dorn quickly showed he’ll be another offensive weapon, making 3 of 6 shots in just seven minutes. Fouls and an unforced turnover showed there’s rust to shake off.
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Aleksa Ristic, Jason Drake, and Josh Harris were all out with injuries.
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