INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 11, 2020 - forward Trayce Jackson-Davis #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo By Missy Minear/Indiana Athletics
BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Indiana University men’s basketball team is gearing up for an non-conference matchup against the Army Black Knights this Sunday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Set for a 7 p.m. ET start and televised on BTN, this game marks the first meeting between these two programs.
The Hoosiers, embarking on their 124th season, opened their campaign on a high note, showcasing depth and talent in their recent victory. Sophomore center Kel’el Ware, a new addition from Oregon, made a significant impact in his Indiana debut. Ware recorded a double-double with 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, adding 4 assists and 3 blocks to his stat line. His presence in the middle will be critical against an Army team looking for its first win.
Coach Woodson had this to say about his new big man, Ware, ” Well, he played a lot of minutes tonight, but he plugged the hole up for us and got a few blocks, rebounded the ball for us. I don’t need him to do much more. Just continue to do that. When he’s around the bucket I expect him to finish and make his damn free throws. That’s what it’s all about.”
Senior guard Trey Galloway led Indiana’s scoring effort with 16 points, converting 7-of-9 field goal attempts. Known for his defensive acumen, Galloway’s offensive surge is a welcome development for the Hoosiers. His performance could be a key factor in Indiana’s quest to maintain their winning momentum.
All wasn’t sunshine and roses in Coach’s eyes. Yes, Galloway had a great game, but he had other concerns, “Well, we’re a lot better, but my concern is CJ and Kaleb and Mackenzie. All three of those guys are capable of scoring too, so when they’re in the game I got to get them comfortable number one, and they got to figure out what the hell we’re doing from a defensive standpoint. A lot of that was missed cues on their part… I got a lot of work to do, put it that way.”
Sophomore forward Malik Reneau matched his career-high with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Reneau’s has the ability to contribute significantly in scoring while maintaining efficiency.
Xavier Johnson, in his sixth year, returned to the court after receiving a medical hardship waiver. Johnson tallied 14 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist in his first game as captain. His experience and maturity are crucial for the team, both on and off the court.
On the other side, the Army Black Knights, under the stewardship of first-year head coach Kevin Kuwik, are looking to rebound after defeats to Marist and Stonehill. Army’s roster includes several players with Indiana ties, adding a local flavor to the contest. Senior forward Charlie Peterson, serving as captain, boasts career averages of 6.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. His leadership and experience will be essential for the Black Knights in this challenging road game.
The matchup also offers a unique narrative thread, given the historical connections between the teams. Legendary Indiana coach Bob Knight began his illustrious coaching career with the Black Knights, creating a symbolic link between the programs.
For Indiana, maintaining their form and building on their opening win will be key. The team has shown it can rely on a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. The tactical approaches of both teams, given their distinct styles and strengths, will make for an engaging contest.
This game, while early in the season, provides both Indiana and Army with an opportunity to set the tone for their respective campaigns. It’s a chance for players to make a statement and for coaches to gauge the effectiveness of their strategies against a non-conference opponent.
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