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Basketball

Hoosiers Dominate the Paint, Prepare for Exciting Season Opener

2024-11-02

In a decisive exhibition matchup, the Indiana Hoosiers showcased their formidable size and skill, cruising to a 106-64 victory over the Marian Knights at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers' impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting 2024-25 season opener against SIU Edwardsville.

Hoosiers Flex Their Muscle in the Paint

The Hoosiers' size and physicality proved to be a significant advantage against the undersized Marian Knights. Indiana's dominance in the paint was on full display, as they converted an astounding 40 of their 45 two-point attempts, good for an 88.9% shooting percentage. The Hoosiers outscored Marian 70-24 in the paint and held a commanding 48-28 rebounding edge, showcasing their ability to control the interior.Malik Reneau led the charge for the Hoosiers, contributing 18 points and a team-high 8 rebounds. Bryson Tucker also made a strong impression, pouring in 19 points, while Oumar Ballo added 16 points to the Hoosiers' offensive onslaught. The Hoosiers' size and athleticism proved to be too much for the Knights to handle, as they struggled to match up with Indiana's frontcourt.

Shooting Woes Persist for the Hoosiers

Despite their dominance in the paint, the Hoosiers' three-point shooting remained a concern. For the second consecutive exhibition game, Indiana struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 6 of their 25 attempts (24%). Over the two exhibition contests, the Hoosiers have shot a mere 22.7% (10-44) from three-point range.Mackenzie Mgbako provided a glimmer of hope, knocking down 2 of his 5 three-point attempts, but the rest of the Hoosiers' perimeter players struggled to find their range. Luke Goode, in particular, had a difficult time, missing his first 10 three-point attempts before finally connecting on two in the second half.The Hoosiers' inability to consistently knock down outside shots could be an area of concern as they prepare for the regular season. Head coach Mike Woodson will undoubtedly work to address this issue in the coming weeks, as the Hoosiers look to find a more balanced offensive attack.

Newcomers Make Their Debuts

The exhibition matchup against Marian also provided an opportunity for several new faces to make their Indiana debuts. Freshman Bryson Tucker and redshirt freshman Jakai Newton both saw their first action in an IU jersey, with Tucker making a strong impression with his array of mid-range shots and high-flying finishes at the rim.Newton, who sat out last season following knee surgery, also saw his first game action as a Hoosier. His return to the court was a welcome sight for Indiana fans, as the team looks to bolster its depth and versatility.Additionally, Trey Galloway returned to the lineup after missing the Tennessee exhibition due to offseason knee surgery. His presence on the court was a positive sign for the Hoosiers, as they aim to have a fully healthy roster heading into the regular season.However, not all the news was positive, as Anthony Leal and Kanaan Carlyle were held out of the game. Leal, who fell awkwardly in the Tennessee exhibition, and Carlyle, who is dealing with bruised ribs, will need to be monitored closely as the Hoosiers prepare for their season opener.Despite the minor setbacks, the Hoosiers' exhibition victory over Marian provided a glimpse of the team's potential. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, Indiana appears poised to make a strong push in the 2024-25 season.

As the USC women's basketball team prepares for a highly anticipated season, the university has taken a bold step in appointing Amy Broadhead as its first-ever general manager. With a wealth of experience in the sports industry and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of college athletics, Broadhead is poised to elevate the Trojans' brand and empower their student-athletes to reach new heights.

Pioneering a New Era for Women's Collegiate Basketball

Embracing the Spotlight

The USC women's basketball team is primed for a breakout season, with a roster brimming with talent and national recognition. Led by the dynamic JuJu Watkins, who set the all-time national record for scoring by a freshman last year, and bolstered by the addition of All-American transfer Kiki Iriafen, the Women of Troy are poised to capture the attention of basketball fans across the country. As the team prepares to open their season with a historic game in Paris, Broadhead recognizes the immense opportunity to showcase the program's excellence and elevate the platform for women's athletics.

Bridging the Gap Between On-Court and Off-Court Success

Broadhead's role as the general manager of the USC women's basketball team is a testament to the university's commitment to supporting its student-athletes both on and off the court. With her extensive experience in sports branding and her deep understanding of the evolving landscape of college athletics, Broadhead is poised to ensure that the team's on-court success is matched by a robust off-court support system. From enhancing the game-day experience for fans to leveraging the team's growing profile to secure lucrative NIL opportunities, Broadhead's expertise will be instrumental in maximizing the Trojans' potential.

Paving the Way for the Future

As one of only a handful of general managers at the women's NCAA level, Broadhead is acutely aware of the significance of her role. By pioneering this position at USC, she is not only shaping the future of the Trojans' program but also setting a precedent for other institutions to follow. Broadhead's appointment reflects the growing recognition of the value that women's athletics can bring to a university, and her success in this role will undoubtedly inspire other schools to invest in similar positions, ultimately elevating the status of female student-athletes across the country.

Leveraging Expertise and Passion

Broadhead's journey to this pivotal role has been shaped by her diverse experiences in the sports industry. With a background that includes working with some of the biggest brands in the business, as well as her own collegiate athletic career, Broadhead brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her new position. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing female athletes, combined with her proven track record of success in the corporate world, make her the ideal candidate to guide the Trojans' women's basketball program into a new era of excellence.

Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

The world of college athletics is in a state of constant flux, and Broadhead's role as the general manager of the USC women's basketball team will require her to be nimble and adaptable. As the NIL era continues to reshape the landscape of collegiate sports, Broadhead's ability to navigate these uncharted waters will be crucial in ensuring that the Trojans remain at the forefront of the industry. By embracing the changes and continuously innovating, Broadhead is poised to set a new standard for women's collegiate basketball programs.

The Valley City State University (VCSU) women's basketball team continued their undefeated start to the season, securing an impressive 85-69 victory over Midland University in a neutral-site matchup in Sioux City, Iowa. The Vikings, now 3-0 on the year, showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, overcoming an early deficit to assert their dominance on the court.

Elevating the Game: VCSU's Relentless Pursuit of Victory

Overcoming Early Challenges

The game began with Midland University striking first, taking an early 17-10 lead midway through the opening quarter. However, the resilient Vikings refused to be deterred, chipping away at the deficit and closing the quarter with a 21-19 score. Led by the sharp-shooting of Madison Spacher, who scored four crucial points in the final minutes of the quarter, VCSU demonstrated their ability to adapt and respond to adversity.

Dominating the Second Quarter

The second quarter saw the Vikings truly assert their dominance, outscoring Midland 22-12 and taking a commanding 41-33 lead at halftime. VCSU's offensive prowess was on full display, as they shot an impressive 10-for-19 from the field, with a focus on attacking the paint. Their 14-0 run during this period effectively shifted the momentum in their favor, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain a relentless offensive onslaught.

Maintaining the Lead

Despite Midland's efforts to narrow the gap in the third quarter, the Vikings quickly answered with a 6-0 run, regaining their double-digit advantage. VCSU's defensive intensity and disciplined execution allowed them to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game, ultimately securing the 85-69 victory.

Standout Performances

The Vikings were led by the outstanding performances of Ashlyn Diemert, who scored a game-high 20 points, and Olivia Backus, who contributed 17 points and 3 steals. Madison Spacher also made her presence felt, recording a double-double with 13 points and 7 rebounds. As a team, VCSU showcased their balanced scoring attack, with 17 points off turnovers, 31 points from the bench, and a dominant 60 points in the paint.

Midland's Valiant Effort

Despite the loss, Midland University had several standout individual performances. Jenna Weber led the way for Midland, scoring 20 points, while Sarah Shepard dominated the glass with an impressive 15 rebounds. Midland's 3-point shooting kept them in the game, as they connected on 7 of their 26 attempts from beyond the arc.

Looking Ahead

The Vikings' victory sets the stage for their next challenge, as they remain in Sioux City to face off against Briar Cliff University on Saturday, November 2nd, at 12:00 PM. VCSU will look to continue their undefeated start and build upon the momentum gained from this impressive win over Midland University.