Indiana Hoosiers Open Season with Commanding Win Over SIU Edwardsville

Indiana University’s men’s basketball team started their 2024-25 season with a convincing 80-61 victory over SIU Edwardsville, demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. The Hoosiers came out strong at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, energized by an eager home crowd. Sophomore standout Mackenzie Mgbako led the way with a career-best performance, putting up 31 points on 13-of-17 shooting and adding nine rebounds in just 28 minutes of play.

The Hoosiers wasted no time establishing dominance, jumping to a 20-9 lead in the game’s opening minutes. Mgbako was a key force in this early stretch, contributing 13 points in less than seven minutes, showing versatility with shots from both inside and beyond the arc. However, as the Cougars settled into their game, Indiana’s early rhythm was disrupted by SIUE’s aggressive play, particularly on the offensive boards. The Cougars clawed back, capitalizing on second-chance points and tying the game at 27 with just under five minutes remaining in the first half.

Head Coach Mike Woodson called a timeout to regroup his team and adjust the defensive focus, encouraging a stronger presence on the glass. Coming out of the timeout, the Hoosiers responded with intensity, going on a 15-3 run to close the half. Key defensive stops and sharp ball movement allowed IU to head into the locker room with a 42-30 lead, reestablishing control of the game. Guard Kanaan Carlyle’s tenacious defense during this stretch helped spark the run, along with solid inside play from Malik Reneau, who finished the game with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The second half saw the Hoosiers maintaining their momentum, as Mgbako continued to pace the offense with his shooting accuracy. SIUE attempted to mount a comeback, cutting IU’s lead to 11 midway through the second half, but Mgbako answered with a crucial three-pointer from the left wing, extending the lead to 14. His effort, combined with a timely tip-in, forced SIUE to call a timeout to slow IU’s rhythm. From there, the Hoosiers continued to build their lead, pulling away to secure a comfortable victory.

Indiana’s bench also provided a significant boost, led by Trey Galloway, who came off the bench to contribute nine assists, setting up teammates and keeping the offensive flow smooth. Galloway’s playmaking underscored IU’s depth and hinted at the versatility Woodson has at his disposal this season. IU shot a solid 82.4% from the free-throw line (14-for-17) and displayed promising accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 16 three-pointers (37.5%).

While the Hoosiers secured a decisive win, Coach Woodson pointed to areas for improvement, particularly in rebounding and ball security. Indiana allowed 16 offensive rebounds and committed 16 turnovers, which kept SIUE in the game longer than expected. The early-season kinks provide a valuable learning opportunity for a team eager to contend for a top spot in the Big Ten.

Mgbako’s breakout performance, paired with Reneau’s inside presence, offers a promising look at the Hoosiers’ frontcourt, while the depth shown by Galloway and others off the bench reveals the potential for a well-rounded and versatile squad. Indiana’s win over SIUE Edwardsville is a positive start, setting a strong tone as the Hoosiers look to build on this momentum and fine-tune their play heading into tougher matchups. The season opener showcased IU’s balanced roster, highlighting their offensive strengths and providing glimpses of the potential this team holds for a successful season.