BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In their Big Ten Conference opener on Monday evening, Indiana showcased a strong performance, securing an 82-67 win against Minnesota. Oumar Ballo led the Hoosiers with 18 points while Malik Reneau and Bryson Tucker contributed 16 points each to the team’s success.
Ballo was impressive, making all five of his field goal attempts and also pulling down seven rebounds. At the free-throw line, he converted 8 of 11 attempts, significantly improving from a previous season average of 54.2% (26 for 48). Reneau had an efficient game as well, hitting 7 of 10 shots and grabbing seven rebounds to aid the team’s efforts. Tucker, who came off the bench, amassed six rebounds and scored 6 of 10 from the field.
Indiana’s bench also got involved, with Kanaan Carlyle hitting three of the team’s four three-pointers and finishing with 14 points and five assists. Additionally, Mackenzie Mgbako supported the scoring with 13 points.
For Minnesota (6-5, 0-2), Dawson Garcia was the standout player, scoring 22 points on a 9-for-15 shooting day. Teammates Mike Mitchell Jr. and Lu’Cye Patterson contributed 10 points each.
The Hoosiers built a solid lead, going into halftime ahead 44-31, thanks to 11 points from both Tucker and Ballo, along with Reneau’s 10-point contribution. Tucker’s back-to-back baskets midway through the first half shifted the momentum, allowing Indiana to establish a lead they would not relinquish.
In the second half, Myles Rice and Reneau started strong for Indiana, netting the first two baskets and extending the lead to 17 points. Carlyle’s impressive three-point play later pushed the advantage to 68-47 with 9:46 left on the clock, and Minnesota was unable to close the gap to fewer than 12 points thereafter.
With this victory, Indiana extended its winning streak against Minnesota to nine games, which also marks the ninth consecutive win at home against the Golden Gophers. The all-time series record now stands at 110-69 in favor of the Hoosiers.
Looking ahead, Indiana is set to visit Nebraska on Friday, while Minnesota will return to their home court to face Fairleigh Dickinson on December 21.
