Indiana lost its second straight game in the Battle 4 Atlantis. While the Hoosiers weren’t as bad as Wednesday’s 28-point loss to Louisville, they lost 89-73 to Gonzaga.

Here are five takeaways from the loss to the Bulldogs:

Indiana’s defense falters again

Indiana’s defense offered little resistance for the second straight game.

Gonzaga got what it wanted at the rim when it wanted. The Bulldogs shot 56.8 percent on two-pointers and 64 percent on dunks and layups.

The Hoosiers play with three players – Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo – who are at least 1.90 meters tall and lack defensive versatility.

Ballo and Reneau have struggled to defend in front of the basket, and Mgbako has slipped defensively in recent games. Indiana’s guards, who were outside of Canaan Carlyle for a short time on Thursday, didn’t pressure the ball well in the Bahamas.

In two games in Battle 4 Atlantis, IU’s defense has given up 178 points and lacks identity. There is no cohesion, no communication or a plan to make consistent stops. Unless that changes, Indiana will continue to face power conference teams.

This was Indiana’s fifth consecutive loss in a neutral-site game by a margin of 16 or more points

Indiana’s performance in neutral site games since last season has been disastrous.

Aside from a win against a leadless Louisville team in New York last November and a narrow win against Penn State in the 2024 Big Ten Tournament, the Hoosiers have been beaten in neutral-site games.

Last season, IU was beaten in neutral-site games by 20 by UConn, 28 by Auburn and 27 by Nebraska.

This season’s results have continued the trend of playing poorly in neutral-court games. Louisville beat Indiana by 28 points and Gonzaga won by 16 points today.

In the fourth year of Mike Woodson’s tenure, Indiana is far from competitive against elite teams in neutral-site games.

Indiana trailed by double digits throughout the second half and made a total of five 3-point attempts in the second half

In a game that needed more offense to get back into the game, Indiana remained uninterested in conceding 3-pointers in the second half against Gonzaga.

Instead of starting moves to give the outside players a clear view, the Hoosiers pushed the ball further inside.

Indiana made a total of five 3-point attempts in the second half, trailing by double digits for the entire half.

Woodson spoke repeatedly in the preseason about a more modern offense that focuses on ball movement and 3-point shots. It hasn’t materialized, and it’s the same style and offense as a season ago.

Through six games, Indiana ranks 336th nationally in the percentage of its field goal attempts that are 3-pointers.

Defensive rebounding is not emphasized and remains a major deficiency

For the second straight season, Indiana fielded one of the highest lineups in the country in every game.

For the second straight season, Indiana was a mediocre defensive rebounding team. On Thursday, Indiana allowed Gonzaga to grab 13 offensive rebounds and score 23 second-chance points.

The Hoosiers don’t block and often watch the opponent give them the ball. There is no urgency or emphasis on cleaning up the defensive glass.

After Louisville hit 37.9 percent of its misses on Wednesday, Gonzaga hit 39.4 percent of its misses on Thanksgiving Day.

As of Thursday evening, Indiana ranked 270th nationally in defensive rebounding percentage.

Mike Woodson’s explanation for IU’s problems falls flat

In the press conference following Thursday’s loss, Woodson was asked about the fan base’s concerns about the team’s game in the Bahamas.

Here was Woodson’s response: “Well, right now my focus is on our team and a new team with seven new players that we’re still trying to sort things out and work through.” I’ll keep going until I get that team there , where I think it should be.”

This answer falls flat.

Although it is still early in the season, the fact that IU has seven new players is neither unique nor unusual in today’s college basketball. Teams across the country routinely add seven (or more) new players to their roster each year through the transfer portal.

Indiana’s opponent on Wednesday, Louisville, has an entirely new roster and beats the Hoosiers by a sound margin.

Woodson handpicked this squad on the portal and so far the results have been disappointing. If that doesn’t change, the grumblings of Indiana’s passionate fan base will only grow louder.

Submitted to: Gonzaga Bulldogs