Quick thoughts on a 71-65 win over Ohio State:
How it happened
Indiana built a 7-point lead in the first six minutes against Ohio State on Saturday night. Four different Hoosiers scored in IU's early 15-point spurt, and it looked like the momentum was on the home team's side. But Ohio State's Jamison Battle started connecting from the perimeter, which helped the Buckeyes turn things around quickly. At the 5:58 mark, Ohio State led 30-23 on a 3-pointer from Scotty Middleton, its largest lead of the half. The Hoosiers responded with a 14-8 run to end the half and get within one point at the break. Both teams were offensively efficient in the first 20 minutes, with Ohio State scoring 1.13 points per possession and Indiana 1.10. Indiana won the battle 24-10 in the first half and also scored 13 points off seven Ohio State turnovers.
After Ohio State scored the first eight points of the second half and forced Mike Woodson to call a timeout, Indiana responded with six consecutive points to get within three points at 46-43 with 16:14 left. The Hoosiers tied the game at 48 at 12:07 on a 3-pointer from Malik Reneau. Indiana regained the lead on a 3-pointer from Xavier Johnson with 9:50 to play, and a jumper from CJ Gunn made it 55-52, prompting an Ohio State timeout. The lead grew to five at 57-52 after a basket by Reneau with 7:46 left. A 3-pointer from Gunn extended the Hoosier lead to six, and a basket from Johnson gave Indiana an eight-point lead at 4:42.
After Indiana extended the lead to 10, Ohio State scored the next five points to make it 66-61. After Johnson shared two free throws, a layup from Felix Okpara made it 67:63. Okpara was fouled but missed the free throw and Ohio State got the rebound and a basket from Roddy Gayle Jr. to make it 67-65. Reneau answered with 1:15 to make it 69-65 Indiana. Gayle Jr. missed a layup on Ohio State's ensuing possession and IU called a timeout with 36.2 seconds left. With just over 23 seconds left, Mackenzie Mgbako turned the ball over, but Battle turned it over with 15.8 seconds left on Ohio State's next possession. Bruce Thornton fouled Johnson, who made the first free throw and missed the second but got the rebound. Johnson made one of two free throws in 11.8 seconds to seal the victory, Indiana's third in conference play.
Outstanding artist
Reneau led the way for Indiana, scoring 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting in 37 minutes. Johnson added 18 points in 34 minutes. He didn't commit a turnover. Gunn was outstanding off the bench, scoring 10 points in 24 minutes.
Statistics that stand out
Indiana turned 14 Ohio State turnovers into 22 points and outscored the Buckeyes 40-24 in the game. Ohio State dominated on the glass, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds and scoring 24 second-chance points.
Final IU individual stats
Final pace-free statistics
Call for a meeting after the game
Submitted to: Ohio State Buckeyes