The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team suffered a disappointing loss to the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, falling 72-59. Despite a strong effort from the Hoosiers, they were unable to overcome the Ducks’ balanced attack and stifling defense.
Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Oregon’s Defense Proves Too Much for Hoosiers: The Ducks’ defense was suffocating, holding the Hoosiers to just 59 points on 36.5% shooting. Oregon’s defense was particularly effective in the paint, blocking six shots and limiting the Hoosiers to just 24 points in the paint.
2. Hoosiers Struggle from Beyond the Arc: Indiana’s three-point shooting was ice cold, as they connected on just 5-of-20 attempts from beyond the arc. The Hoosiers’ inability to stretch the defense with their outside shooting allowed the Ducks to pack the paint and limit Indiana’s scoring opportunities.
3. Oregon’s Balanced Attack Proves Too Much for Hoosiers: The Ducks had five players score in double figures, led by Quincy Guerrier’s 16 points. Oregon’s balanced attack allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game, as the Hoosiers were unable to key in on a single scorer.
Highlights:
The Hoosiers trailed by as many as 17 points in the second half, but managed to cut the deficit to 10 with just over two minutes remaining.
Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis led the team with 15 points and 7 rebounds, but was held to just 5-of-14 shooting from the field.
– Oregon’s N’Faly Dante added 14 points and 7 rebounds, including several thunderous dunks that energized the crowd.
Final Stats:
– Oregon: 72 points, 26-of-55 FG, 8-of-20 3PT, 12-of-17 FT, 36 rebounds, 14 assists, 7 turnovers
– Indiana: 59 points, 21-of-57 FG, 5-of-20 3PT, 12-of-17 FT, 30 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 turnovers
The loss drops the Hoosiers to 12-5 on the season, while the Ducks improve to 10-6. Indiana will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host the Northwestern Wildcats.
“We just didn’t execute well enough on offense,” said Indiana head coach Mike Woodson. “We had some good looks, but we just couldn’t get the ball to go in. And on defense, we just couldn’t stop them. They had too many easy baskets.”
The Hoosiers will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to get back on track in the competitive Big Ten Conference.
