No. 16 Indiana remains unbeaten after securing a 69-58 victory over UNC Greensboro on Thursday night. Myles Rice made a significant impact by scoring 14 of his 20 points in the first half, while freshman Bryson Tucker contributed a season-high 14 points to the team’s success.
Supporting the offense, Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau, and Oumar Ballo each added nine points to the scoreboard. The Hoosiers, improving to 4-0, demonstrated their strength by winning their fourth consecutive game by a margin of ten points or more. Ballo also showcased his skills on the boards with 11 rebounds, while Reneau secured 10.
For UNC Greensboro, Ronald Polite III shone brightly, leading his team with a season-best 17 points. Donovan Atwell also made his presence felt, contributing 10 points to the Spartans’ effort as they fell to 2-2.
Although Indiana never trailed during the game, the Spartans made a spirited attempt to close the gap, tying the score at 40 with Malik Henry’s three-point play just over four minutes into the second half. However, Tucker quickly responded with five consecutive points, allowing the Hoosiers to maintain their lead throughout the remainder of the contest.
[Related: Mike Woodson has Hoosiers dreaming big: ‘I expect us to play at a high level and win’]
Takeaways
For UNC Greensboro, the game highlighted their usual reliance on strong three-point shooting. Despite struggling from beyond the arc with a 28.1% shooting rate, they managed to keep the contest competitive against a more formidable opponent, showcasing resilience under coach Mike Jones.
On the other hand, Indiana had numerous chances to solidify their victory but faced challenges in closing out the game. As they prepare for a more demanding schedule ahead, finding their rhythm will be crucial for the Hoosiers.
Key moment
Tucker’s five-point burst proved to be a turning point for Indiana. After allowing the Spartans to score a layup, the Hoosiers responded with a 9-0 run, extending their lead to 54-42, which ultimately left UNC Greensboro unable to recover.
Key stat
Even though Indiana committed 14 turnovers, UNC Greensboro’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities was evident in their 9-of-32 shooting performance from three-point range.
Up next
The Spartans will return to the court on Monday, facing Long Beach State in Henderson, Nevada. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers will have a brief break before their matchup against nearby Louisville in the Bahamas on Wednesday.
