Hoosier State of Mind
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Hoosiers Wrap Up Non-Conference Play With Kennesaw State

By Matthew Larson

Indiana's Gabe Cupps (2) drives during the first half of the Indiana versus North Alabama men's
Indiana's Gabe Cupps (2) drives during the first half of the Indiana versus North Alabama men's / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY
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Our Hoosiers wrap up non-conference play this Friday against Kennesaw State. The Hoosiers, winners of their last 2, showed out in the most recent game against the North Alabama Lions. Malik Reneau was the leading scorer in that game, in large part to his 4-4 mark from downtown. A burst of 3 point shooting, the Hoosiers shot 50% from the 3 point line (12-24). To put that into context, the Hoosiers did not make more than 6 shots from deep in the previous 11 games.

The Kennesaw State Owls are currently 9-4, with one of their losses by a margin of 27 coming against a less promising Florida State team. The Owls are ranked 209th in the KenPom Rankings and 182nd in the NET rankings. One thing that stands out with the Owls is their ability to put points on the scoreboard. They are averaging 85.4 points per game, which ranks 18th in the NCAA. This looks good but you have to take into consideration their strength of schedule which comes in at 330th out of 362 teams. The leading scorer for the Owls is sophomore guard Simeon Cottle, who is averaging 16.3 points a night.

Indiana's Trey Galloway (32) grabs a rebound during the first half of the Indiana versus North
Indiana's Trey Galloway (32) grabs a rebound during the first half of the Indiana versus North / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY

The Owls take a lot of 3 point shots. A growing concern for the Hoosiers is their ability to guard the 3. This was especially evident against Morehead State where there was multiple times where shooters were left wide open. In that game specifically there was some luck with missed shots, but the Hoosiers will need to patch that up to beat Kennesaw State as well as other B1G opponents. 

Indiana's Malik Reneau (5) holds up three fingers after making a three-pointer during the first half
Indiana's Malik Reneau (5) holds up three fingers after making a three-pointer during the first half / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY

One player we can keep our eye on in this game is Anthony Walker. He has played very well in the past two games and has been scoring some tough baskets, something we have not seen from him to this point. A growing concern that could be patched up in this game is Kel’el Ware’s shot. In the past few games he has struggled to hit the same shots he was knocking down with regularity earlier in the season. Expect him to have a bounce back game against the Owls.

Indiana owns a 3-0 record all-time in the series between the teams. Friday's game vs. Kennesaw State tips off at 6 PM EST at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and is going to be Broadcasted on BTN+.

Go Hoosiers!

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