BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Oumar Ballo showcased an impressive performance, scoring 23 points and helping Indiana stage a comeback from an early double-digit deficit to secure an 82-69 victory over USC on Wednesday night.
The victory marks Indiana’s (13-3) fourth triumph in five contests within the Big Ten Conference, highlighting their best start since the 2015-16 season.
During USC’s inaugural appearance in Bloomington, they jumped ahead quickly, establishing a 10-point lead following a layup from Wesley Yates III eight minutes into the first half, leading 19-9. However, the Hoosiers responded as Kanaan Carlyle nailed a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to two at 24-22 with just over six minutes remaining in the half. Myles Rice then contributed by hitting two free throws.
Following a three-point shot by Chibuzo Agbo that put USC up 27-24, Ballo rebounded, drew a foul, and subsequently converted a pair of free throws. He continued to score with another two free throws, a layup, and a jumper, enabling Indiana to tie the game at 38-38 by halftime.
Ballo’s two dunks within a span of 90 seconds helped the Hoosiers pull ahead 57-47. Even as the Trojans closed the gap to single digits late in the game, Rice found Ballo for a layup and a critical three-point play that helped maintain Indiana’s lead.
Despite having a prior standout performance with 20 points in a 77-71 win against Penn State, Mackenzie Mgbako struggled in this game, finishing with no points on an 0-8 shooting effort.
Rice demonstrated his proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11 attempts, totaling 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Luke Goode excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 5 three-point attempts and finishing with 16 points. Additionally, Trey Galloway contributed 11 points and six assists, while Ballo fell just short of his third consecutive double-double, missing by two rebounds.
For USC (9-6, 1-3), Yates led the scoring with 18 points. Desmond Claude supported the effort with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while both Saint Thomas and Agbo chipped in 11 points each.
Looking ahead, Indiana is set to face Iowa in their next matchup, while USC prepares for a game against No. 13 Illinois on Saturday.
