Key Insights from IU Basketball’s Defeat at Michigan
On Tuesday night, Indiana University’s basketball team suffered its fourth consecutive defeat, losing 86-72 to the University of Michigan. The game took place at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.
Key Insights from IU Basketball’s Defeat at Michigan
Defensive Struggles
Indiana struggled defensively, failing to contain Michigan’s offensive prowess. The Wolverines, ranked the top team nationally per KenPom.com, capitalized on their size and versatility. This led to numerous fouls against Indiana, who faced a significant challenge in defending without committing violations.
- Michigan achieved a free-throw rate of 62.3%, their second-highest of the season.
- Two Indiana players, Conor Enright and Sam Alexis, fouled out, while Reed Bailey picked up four fouls.
- Michigan shot 22-for-33 from the free-throw line, an opportunity that mitigated a larger deficit.
Offensive Performance
Despite the loss, Indiana’s offensive numbers showed promise against Michigan’s formidable defense, rated second nationally. The Hoosiers managed an efficiency of 1.027 points per possession, marking one of their better outputs against this season’s stiffest competition.
- Indiana attempted 34 three-pointers, the second-highest rate against Michigan this season.
- The team converted only 32.4% of those attempts, with a total of 11 successful shots.
Continued Defensive Decline
Indiana’s defense has struggled throughout its losing streak. Over the last four games, the team has allowed over 1.2 points per possession on each occasion. The following stats reflect their recent defensive challenges:
| Opponent | Points per Possession |
|---|---|
| Nebraska | 1.241 |
| Michigan State | 1.25 |
| Iowa | 1.286 |
| Michigan | 1.227 |
Currently, Indiana’s defensive performance places them 11th in the Big Ten, with a rating of 1.158 points allowed per possession during conference play.
Individual Performances
One bright spot for Indiana was Tucker DeVries, who rebounded from a poor first half. Initially struggling with foul trouble and missed shots, he scored 15 points in the second half, showcasing his potential as a key player.
- DeVries shot 5-for-9 from the field and 4-for-7 on three-pointers in the second half.
- Lamar Wilkerson had a challenging game, scoring only eight points and missing all five of his three-point attempts.
Michigan’s Form
Despite their win, Michigan has displayed signs of vulnerability. This match marked the fifth straight game where they allowed over a point per possession. Under Coach Dusty May, the Wolverines remain a significant contender for the upcoming national championship.
The victory against Indiana was Michigan’s largest margin since defeating USC 96-66 earlier in the season.
