Indiana quickly regained momentum in 2022 by feeding off the infectious atmosphere inside Assembly Hall, picking up its first win over a ranked opponent.
Propelled by stellar performances from Trayce Jackson-Davis and Trey Galloway, IU defeated No. 13 Ohio State 67-51.
After their lackluster performance at Penn State, the Hoosiers needed to release some pent up aggression. IU would do so defensively, holding Ohio Sate to just 51 points on 31 percent shooting from the field. It was the Buckeyes' worst offensive performance statistically since they last played in Assembly Hall back on Jan. 11, 2020 when they scored only 54 in a loss.
Offensively it was the usual suspect for the Hoosiers, Jackson-Davis played one of the most complete games of his college career, finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.
Head coach Mike Woodson spoke on the All-American's performance postgame.
"I expect him to play like that... I was harsh on him more than anybody coming out of the Penn State game," Woodson said.
It's no surprise to see Jackson-Davis responding to his coach's criticism. Jackson-Davis returned to this program this season to be coached by a man whom he believed would take his game to the next level and we've seen that happen just 14 games in.
You need to see this.
Left handed d u n k from @TrayceJackson? Yeah, we got it.
CC: @IndianaMBB pic.twitter.com/wRFoUyBu8o
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 7, 2022
What came as a pleasant surprise were the game-changing minutes provided by sophomore Trey Galloway. Galloway had missed two full months with a fractured left wrist and contributed 19 minutes of outstanding production on both ends. He finished with eight points, four rebounds and four assists featuring two late-game steals which solidified the victory.
I certainly didn't see Galloway being this productive, this quickly, after his scary fall against St. John's earlier in the year.
When asked about Galloway's performance and quick turnaround, Woodson said he wasn't surprised.
"We knew that was a piece that was missing... we patiently waited for him to rehab to get back and he responded tonight," Woodson said.
Galloway was ball of energy all night for IU. His nonstop movement with his body and the ball helped Indiana get out of slumps suffered in its half court offense. He's an outstanding driver of the basketball who understands his limitations as a distance shooter, so he regularly utilizes a quick pump fake, getting his defender off balance and creating an open lane to the hoop.
Finally, Woodson voiced his pleasure with how his team was able to rebound from a tough loss and play a complete contest.
"I thought this was probably the best game we've played all season... in terms of how we defended and how the ball moved offensively," Woodson said.
It's become clear that Indiana will play like a different team at home. They're a more confident team which believes they can beat any team that sets foot on that hardwood in Bloomington. Opponents have been quick to attribute the hostile atmosphere to their struggles and Indiana has taken advantage of every opportunity thus far.
I believe we'll see this mentality the rest of the season and it will result in further upsets...opposing teams beware.
After picking up their 11th win, the Hoosiers remains undefeated at home, when Woodson wears a suit and when Trey Galloway plays -- trends the Hoosiers will look to continue having contribute to their on-court success after a momentum-building win.
IU's next test comes in the form of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Assembly Hall at noon on Sunday.
