Indiana University, Bloomington, asserted its dominance over Lindenwood at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, securing a 73-53 victory. The Hoosiers' impressive performance was spearheaded by Tucker DeVries, who scored 25 points to lead all players. DeVries' scoring prowess was on full display, and his teammates followed suit, building a substantial lead that Lindenwood struggled to overcome.
At halftime, Indiana held a commanding 34-18 advantage, with DeVries already having scored 15 points. The Hoosiers' defense was stifling, limiting Lindenwood to just 18 points in the first half. Lindenwood's Jadis Jones, who finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, was one of the few bright spots for the visiting team. Despite Jones' efforts, Lindenwood couldn't muster a significant comeback, as Indiana continued to pull away in the second half.
The Hoosiers' balanced attack was evident, with Lamar Wilkerson adding 10 points and Sam Alexis contributing 8 points and 10 rebounds. Indiana's ability to control the paint and limit Lindenwood's scoring opportunities was a key factor in the game's outcome. Lindenwood's Anias Futrell also scored 12 points, but it wasn't enough to offset the Hoosiers' overall dominance.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Indiana was in control. The Hoosiers' 20-point margin of victory was a reflection of their superior play. While Lindenwood showed flashes of competitiveness, Indiana's depth and talent ultimately proved too much to overcome.
This matchup was a Quadrant 1 game for Lindenwood, providing the Lions with an opportunity to bolster their resume against a top opponent. However, the loss will likely have minimal impact on Lindenwood's tournament chances, given the significant difference in net ranking between the two teams. For Indiana, the win falls into Quadrant 4, which may not significantly enhance their resume but does help maintain their current standing.
The outcome of this game reinforces Indiana's position as a strong contender in the college basketball landscape. With a net ranking of 35, the Hoosiers continue to build a solid case for tournament consideration. While this win may not be a marquee victory, it demonstrates Indiana's ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. As the season progresses, the Hoosiers will face tougher challenges, but for now, they can take pride in their convincing win over Lindenwood. The victory keeps Indiana on track, and their resume remains intact, with the Hoosiers poised to make a push for a tournament berth.