Tue Jan 07 00:10:00 UTC 2025: **Indiana Hoosiers Dominate Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 84-74**
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana Hoosiers (11-3, 2-1 Big Ten) defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-6, 1-2 Big Ten), 84-74, Thursday night at Assembly Hall. Despite a career-high 39 points from Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, Indiana’s balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Scarlet Knights.
Myles Rice led the Hoosiers with 19 points, while Oumar Ballo contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds. Mackenzie Mgbako added 16 points, and Trey Galloway and Luke Goode chipped in 11 and 9 points respectively. The Hoosiers’ hot shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 three-pointers, proved crucial to their victory.
Bailey’s impressive performance, including 16 of 29 from the field and four three-pointers, kept Rutgers in the game. However, the absence of freshman Dylan Harper due to illness significantly impacted the Scarlet Knights. Harper had recorded a triple-double in Rutgers’ previous game.
Indiana controlled much of the game, going on significant runs in both halves. A 17-5 run to close the first half gave them a 41-34 lead, and a 15-4 surge to open the second half extended their advantage. While Rutgers mounted a late comeback, fueled by Bailey’s three-pointers, Indiana ultimately held on for the comfortable win.
The Hoosiers continue their Big Ten schedule with a road game against Penn State on Sunday, while Rutgers begins a three-game home stand against Wisconsin on Sunday, followed by matchups against Purdue and UCLA.
First Piper 