Thoughts on a 76-57 win over the RedHawks:

Indiana’s bad habits persist.

Let’s start with sales. Indiana had a mess of it tonight, turning the ball over on nearly a quarter (23.9 percent) of its possessions during the game. Several Hoosiers threw poor, ill-advised passes. Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo lost balls from deep. Myles Rice traveled a few times. The Hoosiers had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). After tonight’s sloppy performance, IU is giving up 19.6 percent of its possessions for the season, ranking 279th in the country. To put that number in perspective, the last time Indiana finished a season with a turnover rate higher than 19 was Tom Crean’s last season as head coach in the 2016-17 season (21.4).

With the early Big Ten coming up next, Indiana needs to read the ball better. Mike Woodson said this after the game.

“We took chances on passes that just weren’t there and did things off the dribble that just weren’t there,” he said. “These are things we just have to fix. When we start playing Big Ten basketball in the future, plays like that can really get you in trouble on these good teams.”

Indiana also had several defensive failures. In the first half, the RedHawks were far away due to too many 3-point shots. They made the Hoosiers pay by shooting 7 of 16 (43.8 percent) in the first 20 minutes of play. The Hoosiers scored just 6 of 18 points in this game. Aside from the lack of attention to 3-point shots, Indiana has also struggled with backdoor cuts and hasn’t communicated well enough on screens and counters, which has led to good looks for Miami.

Play-by-play man Connor Onion said on the broadcast that Woodson told him before the game that he would prefer the two-big lineup tonight, and he did. Indiana had a big size advantage down low. Reneau (15) and Ballo (eight) scored the most field goal attempts for Indiana tonight. Reneau was the game’s top scorer with 19 points. Ballo added 14 and it could have been better if he had converted more at the line (4 of 8). The transfer from Arizona also dominated the standings, moving up 18 spots in the win.

While Indiana focused on its bigs tonight, Rice still found a way to make an impact offensively. He scored at all three levels and caused a stir with his speed and agility. Rice’s first half was particularly outstanding. While he had three turnovers, he hit 5 of 6 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and scored 14 points. Rice was quieter in the second half and finished the game with 17 points.

Trey Galloway hit 3-of-4 from long range. His shooting mechanics seem to be improved. He is now shooting 8 of 14 (57.1 percent) from 3-point range this season.

After a strong 14-3 start, Indiana allowed the RedHawks back into the game. The Hoosiers only had a three-point lead at halftime (39-36). And a 3-pointer from Luke Skaljac at 10:09 of the second half brought Miami within five points (55-50). But from then on, Indiana closed the door and Miami went cold. The Hoosiers finished the game with a 21-7 run.

It’s a victory. But playing like this against equal or better competition? Most evenings it doesn’t get done.

Submitted to: Miami Ohio Redhawks