In a potential season-changing victory the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball earned their biggest win of the regular season with a 71-67 victory over the Michigan State Spartans.
Tough & together from start to finish tonight. pic.twitter.com/uUKj6ko9Oe
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) February 12, 2025
Indiana upset No.11 Michigan State at the Breslin Center on a night where Tom Izzo was trying to pass Hoosier legendary head coach Bobby Knight in wins, sorry coach Izzo it'll have to wait til Michigan State's next game.
Power forward Malik Reneau lead the Hoosiers in scoring and boards with (19 points, 12 rebounds). Center, Oumar Ballo was not too far behind with (14 points, 10 rebounds), senior forward Luke Goode and sophomore guard Myles Rice also were in double figures with 10 points a piece.
The Hoosiers were able to end their five game losing streak, they also left Tom Izzo tied with Bob Knight as previously mentioned with 345 wins which is tied for second in Big Ten history with coach Knight.
Super freshman and future NBA lottery pick Jase Richardson only scored 13 points and guard Jaden Akins had 14 to go along with and Frankie Fidler's 12 points for the Spartans. Indiana and their zone defense held the Spartans to 38.2% shooting from the field and 4-of-23 on 3-pointers.
“I thought the zone saved us tonight,” Woodson said on the Peacock broadcast after the contest.
Yasir Rosemond to Don Fischer postgame: "We've still got a lot to play for." #iubb
— IndianaHQ (@IndianaHQ) February 12, 2025
Rosemond to IU radio postgame on transition defense: "We were so adamant about getting back. It's easy to get back when you make a couple shots, too." #iubb
— IndianaHQ (@IndianaHQ) February 12, 2025
Izzo and the Spartans will try for the Big Ten wins record again on the road Saturday at Illinois, with tip-off set for 8 p.m.
After losing five straight and seven of eight not only was a win needed but a win versus a Quad 1 opponent, was huge. It truly gives Indiana some hope and life for the NCAA tournament conversation but is it enough to put Indiana in March Madness brackets next month? Only time will tell.
The Hoosiers (15-10, 6-8) host the UCLA Bruins (18-6, 9-4) on Friday night, UCLA enters the game on a 7 game winning streak.