How the Hoosiers escaped to win

On By Littum

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Indiana needed extra basketball to seal a 77-76 overtime victory at Ohio State on Friday night, snapping a two-game losing streak and pulling the Hoosiers’ feet back from under them.

Here you can see how IU’s players were graded.

good night: Luke’s career high propels IU past Ohio State for gritty OT win

APPETIZERS

∎ Myles Rice: 5/10

Fouls dogged him throughout the game and severely limited his minutes. Struggled to stay in front of covers all night. Looked good and pushed the tempo of the game, just couldn’t stay on the floor. When he did, he made a difference, including a key overtime bucket through contact.

∎ Anthony Leal: 7/10

Woodson promised lineup changes, and this was the one that changed a fifth year with a fifth year. Leal played well defensively, covering Bruce Thornton in particular. Made sure the ball kept moving offensively, no small feat considering how old IU has looked on that end recently. A crucial block on Ohio State’s (10-8, 2-5) final possession of the game helped seal the victory, Leal’s second season of heroics in this building.

∎ Luke Goode: 9/10

Played well in the first half but burst into life in the second. A vintage shooting performance with four made 3s. Finished with 23 points and didn’t come off the floor after the break, his role is expanding for a team that needs both his shooting and his leadership.

∎ Mackenzie Mgbako: 3/10

Another quiet night for Mgbako, which means it’s starting to feel like a slump. Started promisingly at both ends but found himself on the bench for long stretches in the second half. Finished just 1-of-5 from the field with six points.

∎ Oumar Ballo: 7/10

Exactly the effort Indiana (14-5, 5-3) required given the size differences. Ohio State didn’t have anyone equipped to handle Ballo physically, and it showed. He finished with a double-double (21 points, 15 rebounds) in a dominant post performance. Like Goode, he played all 25 possible minutes in the second half and overtime.

RESERVE

∎ Trey Galloway: 7/10

Sat for Leal and did well. Didn’t force things offensively. With Rice saddled with mistakes, the core did a lot of good, especially in an impressive second half. Finished with six assists to just three turnovers.

∎ Canaan Carlyle: 7/10

Perhaps his best all-around game in an Indiana uniform. Defended tenaciously, including key stretches against former high school teammate Thornton. Let his offense come organically, scoring in double figures for the first time since the Dec. 9 win over Minnesota. High on the list of players who helped absorb Rice’s minutes productively.

∎ Langdon Hatton: 5/10

The modest stat line did not do justice to his activity and energy spell Ballo from the bench.

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