The Hoosiers held their top players to final and this proved to be the difference in an OT victory over Michigan. Trayce Jackson Davis had 28 points and Jalen Hood–Schifino was 21 points. This led to Indiana’s victory of 62-61 in Assembly Hall.
The loss results in the Wolverines with four wins and a loss when games are decided with 6 or less points during overtime. To be eligible for the NCAAs they will need to win in the Big Ten Tournament again.
Trayce Jackson – Davis
Trayce Jackson Davis, the Indiana Hoosiers’ senior forward was a key player in securing the team’s top player for last. When they trailed by as much as seven points during the second period, IU scored a series of crucial shots late in the game to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The 6-foot-8 Jackson Davis, who is a center, was a mainstay in IU’s front court this season, and will likely have important roles next season. It may be an offensive player or a sixth man, depending on Miller’s plans regarding his frontcourt.
The reputation of his is one of being a selfless player and always wanting to assist the team. This dedication to his teammates has led him become a well-respected member of the Hoosier program.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Jalen Hood-Schifino is an On3 five-star, who has taken his game to the next level over the last three months. He has stepped up his game both sides of the court. He scored at least double figures in 19 out of 20 games and making more than one 3-pointer in eight of the games.
The quality of his decision-making has also been improved as a key contributing factor to his success. He has sharp eyes to spot passing lanes and he can make one-handed passes while using both left and right hand.
Utilizing top players such as Jackson-Davis and Hood-Schifino Indiana played its weak lineup to their advantage last night. Woodson cut down his game with just seven Hoosiers which left it for them to be the best. This resulted in a victory over a top-25 team to a sold out crowd. While they attempt to take over their place in the Big Ten, and possibly try to secure an NCAA Tournament berth, it is possible that Hoosiers have a chance to improve their standing a bit.
Race Thompson
Race Thompson was devastated to realize that his Indiana career was done. The Indiana native wasn’t sure when he’d actually be allowed to wear the cream-colored uniform. However, he returned the following day, and it was memorable.
As his team was down 12 points with just under 12 minutes to go in the regulation, the senior forward took charge of the game. He scored 14 points and seven rebounds, and three steals.
He came up with some crucial plays in overtime that sealed winning for the Hoosiers. He forced Michigan senior center Hunter Dickinson of the ball and forced him to make a mistake with 29 seconds to go in the game.
The Hoosiers made that turnover an opportunity to score on their next game, Race Thompson taking a pass from Terrance Williams II before hitting an open triple , cutting Michigan’s lead to single digits. Juwan Howard called timeout within 44 seconds. However, the Hoosiers were not going to give up. They instead slowed the Wolverine offense to the point of extinction and scored just eight points during the second half and keeping Michigan with a score of six in its final seven possessions.
Miller Kopp
Kopp’s thrilling, dramatic play in the final minute made it possible for Indiana victory and secured a double bye this week’s Big Ten Tournament. In overtime, Kopp hit the 2-point shot, which was initially called a 3 pointer. Kopp scored Indiana’s first six points of the period, as Indiana was able to secure victory, 75-73.
Miller Kopp may not be the most exciting player on the Indiana team, but he’s an integral part of Indiana’s offensive. Miller Kopp also has done plenty of work on the defensive side and has prevented opposing players from taking more shots than they would have otherwise.
Woodson had a major impact on Kopp’s game by putting him out of the game in the early. He shot 0-5 from 3-point range and struggled early to get his shot off However, he managed to get one of his three attempts during the second quarter. In addition, he played an exceptional facilitator for the Hoosiers. Six assists were handed out on the night Indiana had trouble shooting from the floor.
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