6-Banner Sunday: Inconsistencies persist as IU basketball opens Big Ten play 1-1

  • Dec 15, 2024 8:32 am
 

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.

IU basketball’s inconsistencies continued as Big Ten play opened. After a good performance against Minnesota, they stumbled at Nebraska as conference play began this week.

Besides this, readers will find info about Thomas Bryant returning to Indiana, a Hoosier player undergoing surgery and weekly shows. We will, as usual, conclude with a look at other IU sports, led by football being selected for the postseason.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Indiana dominates Minnesota to start 1-0 in Big Ten play
• Hoosiers fade late in a 17-point loss at Nebraska
• Thomas Bryant traded to Indiana Pacers
• Gabe Cupps is out indefinitely following surgery
• Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows
• Hoosier Roundup – Hoosiers Headed To Notre Dame For College Football Playoff

IU men’s basketball will play six games this season on Peacock and the women will play five contests on Peacock, making the streaming service a must-have for IU basketball fans. Sign up for Peacock using Inside the Hall’s link to help support the site and also enjoy Big Ten hoops all season long! In total, over 70 men’s and women’s games featuring Big Ten teams will air on Peacock this season (The link is an Inside the Hall affiliate link, so a commission will be paid to ITH if you click and subscribe to Peacock.)

Banner #1 – Indiana dominates Minnesota to start 1-0 in Big Ten play

The Hoosiers got another easy victory in Assembly Hall. This time, it was over Big Ten bottom-feeder Minnesota. IU was in a battle early and the Golden Gophers made several difficult shots to stay in it. However, water eventually found its level as Indiana used a huge run after that to pull away and win easily 82-67.

The team went inside to their big men all night for easy baskets as Oumar Ballo led the Hoosiers with 18 points while Malik Reneau added 16 points. Bryson Tucker came off the bench to match Reneau’s output as Kanaan Carlyle put up 14 points, also playing with the reserves.

Afterward, IU coach Mike Woodson spoke, Inside the Hall had a photo gallery, Ryan Corazza wrote a Minute After and Film Session, Alex Bozich put together Five Takeaways, and Will Foley penned a column about Carlyle’s performance.

Banner #2 – Hoosiers fade late in a 17-point loss at Nebraska

The Hoosiers got off to a terrible start in Lincoln and trailed 13-3 out of the gate. However, instead of lying down, IU fought back and played a close game for a while. Thanks to Myles Rice’s strong night, they trailed just 68-67 with about seven minutes left.

From there, the bottom fell out and Indiana did not make a field goal the rest of the night in an 85-68 loss to the Cornhuskers. The team did take many more three-pointers than usual, as fans have been clamoring for. However, with many of them forced, they were just 8-35 from long range. Also, the defense has been inconsistent at best for much of 2024.

IU remains near the NCAA tournament bubble at 8-3 overall and 1-1 in the league with a NET of 63 as of Saturday. The Hoosiers will likely have a chance at March Madness with a conference record better than .500 if they can keep their losses closer and meet the expected metrics. They have done this for most of the year minus the contests with Louisville and Nebraska, but not consistently over the past few seasons.

Afterward, Woodson spoke, Corazza wrote a Minute After, Bozich put together Five Takeaways, and Kevin Vera penned a column about the defensive struggles.

Banner #3 – Thomas Bryant traded to Indiana Pacers

Former Hoosier center Thomas Bryant is reportedly returning to Indiana. While he will not return to Bloomington, the former IU standout will be taking his pro career just up the road to Indianapolis.

The NBA’s Pacers lost backup centers Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman to Achilles injuries early in the year. Now, following a trade from Miami, Bryant will return to the state where he played college ball.

Banner #4 – Gabe Cupps is out indefinitely following surgery

Gabe Cupps took on a significant role last season in IU’s rotation. However, with the additions of Rice and Carlyle, Cupps’ minutes have diminished to playing only sparingly.

Now Cupps will be out for an extended period after surgery to what the team called “a preexisting, nagging injury to his lower body”. However, Cupps later clarified on social media that the procedure was for a meniscus issue.

Banner #5 – Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows

Podcast on the Brink was recorded this week. It featured Inside the Hall’s Press discussing Indiana’s games with Minnesota and Nebraska.

The Back Home Network was on-air multiple times in the last few days. Assembly Call Postgame, Bison Chat, Crimson Cast, Doing The Work, and Dribble Drive all had episodes.

Banner #6 – Hoosier Roundup – Hoosiers headed to Notre Dame for College Football Playoff

• IU was selected to their first-ever College Football Playoff last Sunday after a record 11-1 season. They will stay in the state of Indiana as well going up the road to Notre Dame. The Hoosiers also had multiple players and coaches awarded both in the conference and nationally including Curt Cignetti being named national coach of the year. Also, their Big Ten schedule for 2025 was revealed.

• Women’s basketball resumes play today against Bellarmine following an extended break.

• Men’s soccer had several players receive postseason honors with a couple invited to showcase themselves for pro careers.

• Baseball announced its schedule for the coming spring.

• Volleyball had two players earn regional awards.

• Swimming and diving have several athletes competing on a national stage.

• Track and field competed at the Early Bird Meet.

• Finally, 113 IU athletes were honored for their academic success.

Thanks for your continued support of The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.

Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.

Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor

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Category: 6-Banner Sunday

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