Indiana starts its renewed rivalry slate with a loss.
The Hoosiers fell 72-60 to Kentucky on Saturday night in a road matchup at Rupp Arena after a 40-21 second half run from the Wildcats. Total collapse
in the final 20 minutes.
There was a lot not to like. Here’s five things we learned from the game:
- Indiana’s frontcourt just wasn’t up to the task in its second true road environment of the season. Sam Alexis went down with an early injury, getting helped off the floor before returning to the bench and from there the game not long after. Reed Bailey took his place, but saw just eight minutes of time. The two combined for just six points and just as many rebounds, with Alexis having all the points and five of the rebounds. Indiana cannot afford that kind of performance from its frontcourt. If Alexis goes out or isn’t 100%, Bailey needs to be able to contribute.
- The offense goes as far as the 3-point shot can take it. Indiana’s lit teams up when its shots are falling but can’t get anything going when they aren’t. Shooting just 16.7% from long range on the game, it was a recipe for disaster as too many of Indiana’s non-3 scoring attempts became turnovers.
- The depth is going to be an issue, as expected. The Hoosiers looked tired at times in the second half and the Wildcats took full advantage, pulling down nine offensive rebounds and scoring 11 second chance points. Bailey was ineffective in his minutes, Nick Dorn struggled from the field and Aleksa Ristic couldn’t see the floor.
- Foul trouble is also going to be a trend and goes hand in hand with the depth concerns. Indiana’s gotten too physical at the wrong times too many times and it bit them in Lexington when Lamar Wilkerson picked up three first half fouls and got a fourth early in the second, sending him to the bench as Kentucky stormed back and dominated.
- Indiana needs a decent finish in Big Ten play to feel good heading into Selection Sunday. Kansas State and Marquette have fallen off big time and the Hoosiers weren’t able to capitalize on big opportunities against Louisville and Kentucky.
