Indiana’s unofficial start to the 2022-23 season began with a decisive 78-42 victory over Marian in the first of two exhibition games. The Hoosiers led 42-21 at halftime, facing no significant resistance from the Knights, and in the end he faced all 11 scholarship players.
lace thompson Finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 19 minutes of action.Rumored freshman duo Jalen Hood-Schifino When Malik Renaud They lost 11 and 14 points respectively.Fellow frontcourt mate, sophomore center Logan Duncomberecorded a 12-point double-double.
While the low-stakes game was all about Indiana finding a footing before the season officially kicked off next week, the main storyline heading into Saturday afternoon was the absence of a preseason All-American forward. Trace Jackson Davis and a sophomore guard Tamar BatesBoth wore match suits and were unable to play due to lingering injuries.
However, the Hoosiers were able to replace Jackson Davis and Bates as Renault was added to the starting lineup alongside Thompson. Xavier Johnson, Miller Kop Hood Sifino, a former high school teammate. Renault looked great in his first taste of college basketball, showcasing an advanced post skill set, rebounding and positioning, a mature frame that could fight for ball handling, and attempted a 3-pointer to carom the back iron. Renault ended the day with a double-double after just 14 minutes of action.
Hood-Schifino also joined Johnson in IU’s top backcourt unit for his first (unofficial) college start. The five-star freshman guard had moments of error with the ball in his hands, including two turnovers, but proved why head coach Mike Woodson held him in high esteem throughout the offseason Hood-Schifino showed off a strong command of offense, the ability to change tempo, get into the lane and score around the rim, and a smooth-looking jumper.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the afternoon was Thompson’s all-around skill set. The sixth grader sank his 3-point attempts in his first three, and at halftime he scored his game-high 13 points with six rebounds and two of his assists. . Thompson looked comfortable and confident in all 19 minutes he played. His growth and maturity could pay off big this season, especially if he can stretch the floor and make his shots on the perimeter consistently.
Indiana underclassmen also stepped up in place of Jackson-Davis and Bates, including freshman guard CJ Gunn When DuncombeA long combo guard, Gunn saw extra runs in the backcourt and drilled two 3-pointers coupled with bringing the ball onto the court on several possessions. Duncombe also showed offseason growth, scoring 12 points on a variety of putbacks, floaters and high-energy plays around the rim.
The Hoosiers’ solid defense also picked up where they left off last season, failing to score their first point until the 15:03 mark of the first half and maintaining defensive pressure until the final buzzer. IU also hit the grass hard and outscored Marian on rebounds by nearly his margin by 20 boards.
Overall, this was a solid season debut for the Indiana team, who had very high expectations this season. Marian was only his NAIA school, and the gap in talent and size stood out, but the Knights presented the Hoosiers with a formidable first challenge, and IU responded admirably for the most part.
Next, the Hoosiers wrap up their preseason slate against St. Francis on Thursday night before officially kicking off the season next Monday against Morehead State.
Key play and stretch:
First half: 15:35 — Indiana opens the game with a 10-0 scoring run (IU leads 10-0)
First Half: 15:03 — Christian Harvey 3 pointer –> Marian FG for the first time in the game (IU leads 10-3)
First Half: 12:59 — Race Thompson 3-point –> IU’s first 3-point game (IU leads 19-5)
1H: 10:06 — enchanted Gorman back to back three pointer (IU lead 21-11)
1H: 5:27 — CJ Gunn 3 pointer (IU lead 31-13)
First half: 2:33– Thompson help Malik Renaud For dunks –> Renault last 6 IU points (IU Lead 37-19)
Halftime — Indiana lead 42-21
2H: 19:04– Jalen Hood-Schifino Turnaround Midrange Jumper + and One (IU Lead 46-21)
2H: 15:58 — Xavier Johnson Steal –> mirror cup 3 pointer (IU lead 52-25)
2H: 11:50 — Trey Galloway 3 pointer (IU lead 60-30)
2H: 8:50 — Jordan Geronimo 3 pointer (IU lead 63-32)
2H: 1:11 — CJ Gunn Rebound + to rob Anthony Leal for layups (IU Lead 76-42)
