Quick thoughts on a 90-66 win against Tennessee Tech:
How it happened
Tennessee Tech’s aggressive style of play was on full display from the opening tip on Thursday in Assembly Hall. The Golden Eagles made Indiana uncomfortable in the half court and the Hoosiers never got in the flow offensively. Fortunately for Indiana, Tennessee Tech’s relentless fouling sent Indiana to the line 23 times in the first half, leading to 16 points. Defensively, the Hoosiers held Tennessee Tech under a point per possession – .94 – but the Golden Eagles made enough 3-pointers to keep within striking distance throughout the half. After Indiana led 34-24 with five minutes left in the first half, Tennessee Tech closed on a 13-7 run to make it 41-37 at intermission. Samet Yigitoglu, who scored IU’s first six points before requiring stitches above his eye, led the Hoosiers with 10 first half points while Aiden Sherrell added nine points and five rebounds.
Rather than letting Tennessee Tech hang around, Indiana closed the door early in the second half. A more focused defensive effort and Tennessee Tech wearing down were both factors. By the 15:19 mark, IU’s lead was 54-44 on a Jaeden Mustaf layup and it grew to 13 on the next possession on a Bryce Lindsay 3-pointer. The Hoosiers punched the margin out to 21 with 9:59 remaining on a putback layup from Trent Sisley. By the 5:34 mark, the IU lead ballooned to 28 points at 80-52 on a Yigitoglu dunk. The win, IU’s fourth of the season, sets the Hoosiers up for an important third week of the season that features tests against Arkansas and Kentucky.
Standout performers
The Hoosiers had six players finish in double figures, led by 18 from Yigitoglu. The 7-foot-2 center also had seven rebounds in 17 minutes. Other notable performances: Lindsay with 15 points, Burton with 12 points and seven assists, Sherrell with 11 points and eight rebounds, Mustaf with 11 points and Manhertz with 10 points and five rebounds.
Statistics that stand out
Indiana dominated points in the paint, 44-28, and outscored Tennessee Tech 26-9 from the free-throw line. The Hoosiers held Tennessee Tech to .89 points per possession.
Up next for IU
Indiana travels to New York to take on Arkansas on Tuesday, November 17, at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBC Sports Network.
Final IU individual statistics
Final tempo-free statistics
