Hoosier basketball fans probably felt like they were watching a different sport when Miami (OH) battled SMU in the First Four on Wednesday night in Dayton. The RedHawks put on an absolute offensive clinic en route to an impressive 89-79 win over the Mustangs, and their style of play is the envy of Indiana basketball fans everywhere.
Hoosiers’ massive basketball budget still can’t buy a ticket to March
When Darian DeVries took over at the helm of the Indiana basketball program, fans expected an efficient offense that could put up points in a hurry. At Drake, DeVries constructed rosters that moved the ball well, played with pace, and emphasized early shot-hunting and high-volume three-point shooting. Indiana fans didn't see much of that playing style this season.
That open and free style of basketball has been perfected by Travis Steele and the RedHawks this season, and the whole country got to witness it on Wednesday.
Miami's offensive style of play is the envy of Indiana basketball fans
The RedHawks were extremely hard to guard and made life difficult for the Mustangs all night long. They played unselfish, moved the ball, and made the extra pass to find the best shot possible. They also played with energy and confidence, which lacked from Indiana's offensive attack most of the season.
The RedHawks aren't too reliant on one single player to score, and the same cannot be said for Indiana this season. Lamar Wilkerson carried the offense for a good chunk of the season, especially down the stretch. Wilkerson led the Hoosiers in scoring in nine of IU's last 10 games of the season, averaging 24.7 points per game in that stretch. He didn't get much help when it mattered most, which played a big role in IU missing out on March Madness for the 8th time in the last 10 seasons.
On the season, Wilkerson's 20.9 points led the Hoosiers and ranked 2nd in the Big Ten. However, only one other Hoosier averaged double-digit points per game, which was Tucker DeVries at 13.7. That lack of scoring depth plagued IU all season long.
Furthermore, Miami is a great three-point shooting team. They lead the country with a team shooting percentage of 52.5% on the season, and rank 8th nationally shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc. On Wednesday on the biggest stage, they knocked down 16 three's.
Miami rained in 1️⃣6️⃣ threes against SMU 🥵☔️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/lqWWgF9844
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026
Simply put, Indiana did not have anywhere close to that kind of shooting efficiency this season. The Hoosiers shot just 34.7% from three-point land, which ranked 11th in the Big Ten.
Indiana's lack of roster continuity presents a tough challenge
When watching Miami play, it's clear that they know how to find a rhythm quickly. They are rarely stagnant, which makes them extremely hard to guard - even when they shoot early in the shot clock. Throughout this season, the Hoosiers played at a slow pace, were easy to guard, and out of rhythm.
The RedHawks also have few transfers on their roster, and having strong roster continuity and limited turnover has helped with their team chemistry. They play well together and know how to get each other open in the best scoring spots in a hurry.
Indiana is facing a major roster overhaul this offseason, as IU's senior group of Lamar Wilkerson, Conor Enright, Reed Bailey, Tayton Conerway, Tucker DeVries, and Sam Alexis accounted for nearly 78% of minutes played and over 84.1% of the scoring this past season. That lack of continuity could present another tough challenge when it comes to offensive chemistry.
After a tough first season in Bloomington, Indiana basketball fans are hoping DeVries and his staff make a big leap from Year 1 to Year 2. Taking a page out of Miami's book might not be a bad idea.