At the Buzzer: Indiana 65, Michigan State 64

  • 03/10/2024 6:47 pm in

Quick thoughts on a 65-64 win against Michigan State:

How it happened

Indiana had arguably its best start of the season Sunday afternoon at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers defended with tenacity and were connected offensively. Indiana was so hot to start that Tom Izzo couldn’t even make it to the first media timeout without burning a timeout. By the 13:14 mark, the Hoosiers led 20-5 on a Mackenzie Mgbako 3-pointer. That was the largest margin the Hoosiers would hold all half. With Trey Galloway on the bench with an apparent injury from the 12:54 mark onward, Michigan State battled back. The Spartans closed the half on an 8-0 run to get within five at 34-29 at intermission. Overall, it was still a solid half for the Hoosiers, who scored just over a point per possession (1.01). 29 of Indiana’s 34 points came from the trio of Kel’el Ware (9), Mackenzie Mgbako (10) and Malik Reneau (10). Turnovers – the Hoosiers committed nine – helped fuel Michigan State’s run to get back into it.

With Galloway unavailable, Michigan State’s momentum continued into the second half as the Spartans built a five-point lead at 41-36, forcing Mike Woodson to call a timeout. The Spartans grew the lead to seven at 43-36 on a bucket by AJ Hoggard, but Indiana fought back to make it a 50-46 game at the under 12-media timeout. After the Spartans stretched the lead back to seven at 55-48, the Hoosiers responded with an 8-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Xavier Johnson, to regain the lead at the under-eight media timeout. Indiana’s lead was 60-59 by the final media timeout after a Jaden Akins dunk in transition.

After a Carson Cooper free throw tied the game at 60, Indiana regained the lead on a Malik Reneau bucket with 2:37 to play. Reneau was also fouled on the play, but missed the free throw. Michigan State tied the game on a pair of Tyson Walker free throws at 62, but the Hoosiers took the lead back at 64-62 on a Ware bucket. Walker got another bucket with 1:28 left to tie at 64. On IU’s next possession, Anthony Leal missed a layup, Michigan State grabbed the rebound and called timeout with 57 seconds left. After two missed shots by Michigan State, Ware grabbed the rebound, IU took its final timeout with 33.2 seconds left and the game tied at 64. Ware was fouled on IU’s ensuing possession and made one of two free throws to make it 65-64. Michigan State took its final timeout with 14.5 seconds to go. The Hoosiers got a stop on Michigan State’s final possession as Walker’s shot missed, giving IU its fourth straight win.

Standout performer

It was a monster effort for Ware, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots in 37 minutes. Reneau added 16 points, five rebounds and five assists and Mgbako finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

Statistics that stand out

Indiana dominated the game in the paint, outscoring Michigan State 40-22. The Hoosiers were also stout defensively, holding the Spartans to .94 points per possession.

Final IU individual statistics

Final tempo-free statistics

Assembly Call postgame show

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