Key Insights from IU Basketball’s Defeat at USC

The Indiana University basketball team faced a tough defeat at the hands of the University of Southern California (USC), losing 81-75 on Tuesday night at the Galen Center. This marked the end of Indiana’s three-game winning streak.

Key Insights from IU Basketball’s Defeat at USC

Struggles on the Boards

USC’s team length and athleticism were pivotal in the game. Indiana had difficulty securing rebounds against a more athletic opponent. They allowed USC to grab 11 offensive rebounds, leading to a high offensive rebounding percentage of 39.3%—the highest allowed by Indiana since their loss to Michigan State in January.

This disadvantage resulted in USC converting those rebounds into 15 second-chance points. Indiana managed only six second-chance points, making this margin critical in their six-point loss.

Free-Throw Discrepancy

Throughout the contest, Indiana faced a significant challenge at the free-throw line. Entering the matchup, the Hoosiers held the second-worst opponent free-throw rate in the Big Ten. In contrast, USC ranked second in free-throw effectiveness.

USC capitalized on this, attempting 31 free throws and making 25 of them. Indiana, in comparison, shot 13 for 16 from the line. The 12-point gap in free throws proved a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.

Shooting Difficulties

Indiana’s performance from beyond the arc faltered. They managed only 10 successful 3-pointers out of 35 attempts, marking a poor shooting percentage of 28.6%. This slump was their worst since a January loss to Iowa.

• Nick Dorn struggled, shooting 2-for-12 on 3-pointers.
• Tucker DeVries also faced difficulties, hitting just 1-of-8 shots from deep.

Lamar Wilkerson’s Outstanding Performance

Lamar Wilkerson stood out as a bright spot for Indiana, scoring 33 points. This marked his seventh game with 20 or more points in Big Ten play. He achieved this by shooting 11-for-20 from the field and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, showcasing his scoring prowess.

Though foul trouble limited him to 12 minutes in the first half, Wilkerson played all 20 minutes in the second half, contributing 20 points.

Emergence of Alijah Arenas

The Trojan’s top player, Chad Baker-Mazara, suffered a knee injury early in the second half. This setback opened the door for freshman guard Alijah Arenas. After missing 18 games due to an offseason injury, Arenas impressed by scoring 19 of his 29 points in the second half, demonstrating his offensive capability.

His performance, highlighted by timely 3-pointers, secured the lead for USC after Indiana attempted to rally back.

As the season progresses, Indiana must address these critical deficiencies as they prepare for their upcoming games. Their ability to secure rebounds, improve free-throw discipline, and regain efficiency in shooting will be essential for future success.