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

#3. Stats aside, Jalen Hood-Schifino & Race Thompson are huge factors for the Hoosiers

Jalen Hood-Schifino and Race Thompson combined for eight points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, three blocks, and just one turnover on Friday. They combined to shoot just 3-for-16 (18.7 percent) from the field and 1-for-5 (20.0 percent) from beyond the arc.

Statistics aside, Hood-Schifino and Thompson are worth so much more to the Indiana basketball program than whatever statistics they put up on a nightly basis.

Without Hood-Schifino’s ability to bring the ball up the floor calmly and get the ball to TJD in the post, Indiana doesn’t beat Xavier. Without Thompson’s rebounding and defensive performance against Zach Freemantle, Indiana doesn’t beat Xavier. It’s that simple.

Hood-Schifino’s shot will come as he gets more comfortable against college defenses and hopefully, Thompson can make at least one three-pointer per game, but the two starters will continue to make an impact on the game, whether the stats show it or not.