As BIG Conference play resumed to bring in 2024, the late-night game against Nebraska was the worst I ever watched (and turned off out of frustration). Xaviar Johnson returned from injury but showed a lot of rust. The Huskers dominated 86-70, with 12-threes and 15-steals. They had a 61-47 edge on two Sam Hoiberg free throws at the 11:41 mark. Keisei Tominaga had a season high 28-points (he then scored 19 to top #1 Purdue as a follow-up) while Kal-el Ware managed 20 for the Hoosiers. The loss dropped I.U. to 2-1 in the BIG and out of all the tourney projections.

The Hoosiers were then grateful to be back home, licking their deep wounds from the nightmare in Lincoln. They stumbled through the first half, falling behind at halftime 39-38 after a brief lead. They then came out if the locker room flat and gave up 8 straight points before responding to tie the game at 48. Ohio State trailed 60-54 with 6:11 remaining on a CJ Gunn trey, as the Hoosiers began to remember “The Magic.” I. U. only had 4 turnovers total versus 19 miscues for Nebraska and this led to a much-needed 71-65 victory over a Tier-2 tourney team. Malik Reneau was the leading scorer, amassing 19 of his 23 in the second half. Xavier Johnson had 18 and C.J. Gunn 10.

Indiana has lost its last four games in Piscataway, N.J., while scoring just 54.8 points per game and losing by an average of 10.8 points. Historically, I.U. Is just 2-8 against Rutgers dating back to the 2017-18 season, and they snapped a six-game losing streak last season. However, the Scarlet Knights have yet to claim a BIG victory this season, sitting at 0-3 in conference play and 8-6 overall. 

Make that 2-9! Rutgers defeated Indiana at Jersey Mike’s Arena by a final score of 66-57, once again losing the race to the “Magic Mark.” The Scarlet Knights led 30-27 at the half, while the struggling Hoosiers were led in the game by three players with 13 points — Kel’el Ware, Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau. 18 I.U. turnovers led to 18-points, the difference in the game. Xavier Johnson had five of those before he was ejected with a flagrant foul, hitting below the belt. Fellow Hoosier supporters were embarrassed by his immature actions, reminiscent of the speeding incident back in 2022. Can I.U basketball sink much “lower” than the already reduced expectations?

Shooting and rebounding once again raised their ugly heads. The Hoosiers were a pitiful 4-15 from the line, 39.7% from the field, and 26.9% from three. Rutgers rebounded 19 of their own misses that resulted in 12-points. Overall, despite our size advantage, the Scarlet Knights achieved a 51-40 rebounding edge. The ball was not bouncing our way and clanging off the rim, if they even hit it! Air ball! Indiana (11-5, 3-2) will host Minnesota next.