Indiana basketball vs. Xavier: Six takeaways from Hoosiers 81-79 win

On November 18, Indiana basketball fought with Xavier and pulled out a true road victory 81-79. The Hoosiers were led by Trayce Jackson-Davis and others.

What I loved most about this game was the “never give up” attitude that was clearly portrayed by Mike Woodson and showed through his players throughout the entire game.

Previous Indiana teams would have folded completely under the pressure late in the game with missed free throws and turnovers, but the Hoosiers pulled this one out, with plenty of stress.

Also, loved seeing Woodson stick with what was working. Jalen Hood-Schifino did not have a great game and could not find his shot, but Xavier Johnson and Malik Reneau were critical pieces alongside Trayce Jackson-Davis, to lead this Hoosiers team to their first true non-conference road victory in quite some time.

Six takeaways from Indiana basketball win vs. Xavier

#6. Mike Woodson should be leading this Indiana basketball program for 15+ years

Any coach that can lead such a storied basketball program like Indiana to its first true road victory against a major non-conference team for the first time since November 30, 2011, when the Hoosiers beat unranked NC State, 86-75.

That’s crazy to think about. That means the last time this type of win happened in Indiana basketball history was the same season Tom Crean led the Hoosiers with Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, and Jordy Hulls to the Sweet 16 and a loss to No. 1 overall seed, Kentucky.

Although Tom Crean lasted just nine seasons in Bloomington, Mike Woodson has shown his passion and ability to get through to college players, leading his team to a 24-14 (.632) record in his first two seasons.

After a slow start to the game yet again, Woodson and the Hoosiers responded, especially after halftime, and came out strong in this tough road victory. If you’re still not convinced by Mike Woodson as the leader of this program, not sure what else you need to see.