
On January 8, 2025, the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the USC Trojans 82-69 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
The Hoosiers, now boasting a 13-3 overall record and 4-1 in Big Ten Conference play, showcased a balanced offensive attack with four starters scoring in double figures. Leading the charge was senior center Oumar Ballo, who delivered a dominant performance with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, along with eight rebounds and two blocks.
Senior forward Luke Goode contributed significantly, adding 16 points, including four three-pointers on five attempts. Redshirt sophomore guard Myles Rice filled the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while fifth-year senior guard Trey Galloway chipped in 11 points and six assists.
The game began with USC (9-6, 1-3 Big Ten) taking an early lead, reaching a 10-point advantage midway through the first half. However, Indiana responded with an 18-6 run, eventually tying the game at 38 by halftime.
In the second half, the Hoosiers seized control with an 11-1 run, establishing a 49-41 lead. They maintained this momentum, extending their advantage to as much as 13 points. USC attempted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to seven points with under three minutes remaining, but Indiana’s timely shooting and free throws secured the victory.
Notably, Indiana achieved this win despite a scoreless outing from Mackenzie Mgbako, who averages 14.1 points per game but missed all eight of his shots in 15 minutes of play.
USC’s offense was led by Wesley Yates III, who scored 18 points, and Desmond Claude, who added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Despite their efforts, the Trojans struggled in the second half, shooting just 10-of-29 from the field.
This victory marks Indiana’s best start in conference play since the 2015-16 season. The Hoosiers have been particularly formidable at home, maintaining a perfect 10-0 record at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall this season.
Looking ahead, Indiana is set to face Iowa on the road, aiming to extend their winning streak and further solidify their standing in the Big Ten Conference. USC, meanwhile, will travel to No. 13 Illinois, seeking to rebound from this loss and improve their conference record.
The Hoosiers’ recent performances have demonstrated their depth and resilience, with multiple players stepping up to contribute significantly. As the season progresses, maintaining this balanced attack and strong defensive play will be crucial for Indiana’s aspirations in both the Big Ten and the national landscape.
For fans and analysts, Indiana’s ability to overcome early deficits and execute effectively in the second half has been a promising sign of the team’s growth and cohesion under head coach Mike Woodson. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, the Hoosiers will look to build upon this momentum and continue their pursuit of conference supremacy.