IU Basketball Drops Game to Iowa: Five Key Takeaways

Indiana University (IU) basketball team suffered a 74-57 defeat against Iowa on Saturday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. This loss marks the Hoosiers’ third consecutive game without a win, showcasing several areas of concern for the team.

IU Basketball’s Continuous Woes Against Iowa

The Hoosiers’ struggles in the second half have become a repeating pattern. Once again, they were outscored in the final 20 minutes of play. Although this performance was not as severe as previous games against Nebraska or Michigan State, it raises alarms about Indiana’s ability to finish strong.

Head coach Darian DeVries pointed to fatigue as a likely factor contributing to IU’s lack of execution down the stretch. He noted, “We look fatigued. That’s where some of that sloppiness and turnovers start to show up.” With a limited rotation, Indiana only plays eight players, which may exacerbate fatigue issues. Several scholarship players have yet to make significant contributions this season.

Defensive Struggles in Big Ten Play

Indiana’s defensive performance is a growing concern. Earlier in the season, they ranked in the top 20 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. However, after allowing 1.29 points per possession against Iowa, the Hoosiers now permit an average of 1.147 points per possession in conference games, ranking 10th in the Big Ten.

• IU has allowed over 1.24 points per possession in three consecutive games.
• They currently face the 13th toughest schedule in the Big Ten.
• Nationally, Indiana sits within the top 60 for adjusted defensive efficiency.

Tucker DeVries Faces Shooting Troubles

Tucker DeVries, a highly regarded forward with a strong background in the Missouri Valley Conference, is experiencing a shooting slump. In the matchup against Iowa, he managed only seven points, marking the fourth time in five games he has failed to reach double digits.

DeVries shot just 2-for-9 from the field and is hitting only 25.5 percent of his three-point attempts over the last seven Big Ten games. Coach DeVries acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “He’s just got to get it going and find better looks.”

Excessive Fouls Hurt Indiana’s Defense

On Saturday, Iowa capitalized on free-throw opportunities, scoring 21 points from the line. Surprisingly, the Hawkeyes, not known for drawing fouls, were awarded 23 free-throw attempts. Indiana now ranks 16th in the league in opponent free-throw rate, allowing opponents a 40 percent success rate in conference play.

• Indiana’s losses often correlate with high free-throw rates for opponents.
• In five out of six losses this season, opponents exceeded a 45 percent free-throw rate.

Bennett Stirtz Dominates the Game

Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz played remarkably well, showcasing his potential as a future NBA draft pick. He dominated the floor, scoring 27 points on 7-of-13 shooting and hitting 10 of 11 free throws. Stirtz also contributed five assists during the game.

Coach DeVries praised Stirtz’s versatility, stating, “He plays until he gets an advantage for himself or for a teammate.” His ability to navigate the game effectively proved critical in Iowa’s victory.

As Indiana continues its journey through the Big Ten, addressing fatigue, defensive lapses, and scoring droughts will be essential to reclaim success on the court.