Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse for the 2008-2009 version of the Indiana Hoosiers — it just got worse.

Indiana (5-7) followed up a 55-42 home loss to Northeastern with a 74-69 loss to Lipscomb Sunday night at Assembly Hall.

The Bisons (5-6) entered the game with just three wins against Division I opponents and a RPI ranking of 335 by RealTimeRPI.com.

“We had some opportunities to win and we just couldn’t get it done and it’s disappointing,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said.

The Hoosiers led 37-16 in the first half and then watched the 21-point cushion evaporate after Lipscomb answered with a 31-7 run to take a 47-44 lead with 16:48 remaining.

Michael Teller and Adnan Hodzic scored 19 points each to lead Lipscomb. The Bisons shot 51 percent, hit 15 of 20 free throws, scored 40 points in the paint and out-rebounded Indiana 35-25.

“You’re not going to win games giving up 50 percent field goals and getting out-rebounded by 10,” Crean said. “Those are the kind of things that we’ve gotta continue to understand.”

Devan Dumes scored 18 points to lead Indiana and Verdell Jones III added 13. The Hoosiers shot 50 percent, but hit just 8 of 16 free throws and lost for the fifth time in their last six games.

Big Ten opener: Indiana will open its Big Ten season January 3 at Iowa at 4:30 EST.

Schutz injured: Kipp Schutz didn’t dress after being injured recently in practice and Crean told reporters that Schutz’s days on the team are likely numbered as workouts for IU baseball begin January 10.

• Box score