The Assembly Call IU Basketball Podcast and Postgame Show

Indiana demolished Oregon 92-74 behind Lamar Wilkerson's nuclear 41-point performance at Assembly Hall, moving to 17-8 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play. After missing his first five shots and not scoring until seven minutes remained in the first half, Wilkerson erupted for 16 points to close the opening period and then added 25 in a second half where Indiana shot an absurd 81% from the field, finishing with a 1.8 points-per-possession output that erased any doubt about the final outcome.Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Coach Bob Moats break down the offensive clinic and what it means moving forward:How Wilkerson became just the fifth Indiana player since George McGinnis to record multiple 40-point games in a season, now leading the Big Ten in conference scoring at 24.4 points per gameSam Alexis's continued emergence with another perfect shooting night (8-of-8) and dominant defensive performance against Nate Biddle, opening up the offense early when shots weren't fallingWhy Indiana's second-half offensive explosion (11-of-11 on two-pointers, missing only four total field goals) showcased the full potential of Darian DeVries's system against overmatched opponentsConor Enright's steady excellence as a floor general (eight assists, six rebounds, plus-22 in 36 minutes) proving he's far exceeded expectations as a Big 10 starting point guardThe defensive lapses in the second half that allowed 1.42 points per possession—something that could prove costly against Illinois's top-ranked offense in six daysNick Dorn's confidence-restoring second half after struggling while battling illness, hitting clutch threes and free throws when Indiana needed scoring balanceWhat this five-of-six stretch says about coaching development and veteran play compared to earlier season strugglesPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana survived a nail-biting overtime thriller against Wisconsin, winning 78-77 after blowing a 14-point first-half lead and trailing by four with under a minute left in regulation. Lamar Wilkerson, appearing to battle through injury late, scored Indiana's final 10 points of regulation including a clutch layup with under three seconds to force overtime, then became the only Hoosier to score in the extra period as Indiana improved to 16-8 overall and 7-6 in Big Ten play with a crucial victory over a tournament-caliber opponent.Andy Bottoms, Coach Brian Tonsoni (live from Assembly Hall), and Coach Bob Moats break down the gutsy win and questionable finish:How Sam Alexis dominated with 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting and five blocks, proving Indiana can win when the three-point shot isn't falling (just 5-of-22 from deep) by attacking inside for 44 paint pointsThe defensive game plan that held Wisconsin to 38% shooting and forced their offense into uncomfortable spots, including varied ball screen coverages tailored to different shootersWhy Indiana's late-game execution remains a glaring weakness—giving up an 11-point lead in the final four minutes with stagnant offense and defensive breakdowns before Wilkerson's heroicsConnor Enright's massive charge call in overtime when everyone was screaming for Indiana to foul, putting officials in position to make the game-deciding callThe controversial finish including the non-travel call on Alexis and the foul on Wilkerson's game-winner that sent Greg Gard into a meltdownTucker DeVries playing all 45 minutes doing everything but scoring in bunches, plus Josiah Miles's critical defensive minutes when Nick Dorn struggledWhat this win means for Indiana's tournament resume—picking up a quality home win over a team on the same seed line while showing the resilience to close out tight gamesPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to USC 81-75 in Los Angeles, closing out a grueling West Coast road trip with a flat performance two days after their emotional double-overtime victory over UCLA. Despite battling back from an 11-point second-half deficit to have a chance late, the Hoosiers shot just 28.6% from three-point range and got only 11 combined points from Nick Dorn and Tucker DeVries as physical and mental fatigue seemed to catch up with them. The loss drops Indiana to 15-8 overall and 6-6 in Big Ten play.Jerod Morris and Ryan Phillips break down the disappointing but somewhat expected letdown:Lamar Wilkerson's heroic 33-point performance carrying Indiana offensively when no other Hoosier reached double figures, continuing his remarkable stretch that's put him squarely in first-team All-Big Ten considerationWhy the shooting struggles (Dorn 2-of-12 from three, DeVries 1-of-9 from the field) were symptoms of tired legs after playing deep into double overtime Saturday—flat shots rattling halfway down and out instead of droppingThe critical moments when Indiana needed to adjust away from settling for perimeter shots against USC's length and shot-blocking (11th nationally in block percentage) but continued forcing threesHow USC's Alijah Arenas made the plays of the game, hitting key shots to turn momentum when Indiana cut the deficit to four in the second halfTayton Conerway's return to action showing encouraging burst and driving ability in 10 minutes, raising questions about the optimal starting lineup moving forward with Dorn playing so wellWhy this loss stings less than most of Indiana's eight defeats this year—the mentality shift in this program where they fight for 40 minutes even without their A-gameThe all-important homestand ahead against Wisconsin and Oregon that will determine whether this road trip represents progress or a missed opportunityPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana survived a chaotic double overtime thriller at Pauley Pavilion, defeating UCLA 98-97 after blowing a 10-point lead in the final 1:34 of regulation and battling through two overtime periods without a true point guard. Trent Sisley's made free throw with 0.6 seconds left sealed Indiana's third straight victory, moving the Hoosiers to 15-7 overall and 6-5 in Big Ten play with a crucial second quad-one win for their NCAA tournament resume.Jerod Morris, Coach Brian Tonsoni, and Andy Bottoms (with special guests Scott Caulfield and Ryan Phillips calling in from Los Angeles) break down the gutsy road victory:How Nick Dorn's 21-point explosion in the second half transformed a six-point halftime deficit into a commanding lead, continuing his breakout stretch as Indiana's third legitimate scoring threatReed Bailey's career performance with 24 points on 12-of-13 free throw shooting in just 28 minutes, showcasing the inside scoring dimension this roster has been missing all seasonThe coaching brilliance and controversy—Darian DeVries's defensive adjustments that held UCLA to under 40% shooting versus the decision not to foul up three at the end of regulationLamar Wilkerson's redemption arc after nearly losing the game with critical turnovers late in regulation, then taking over both overtimes by repeatedly attacking the rim when Indiana had no point guard to initiate offenseWhy Tucker DeVries's nine points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists might have been his most important performance as a Hoosier despite the modest scoring numbersThe mental toughness this team showed bouncing back from a devastating collapse—what this win reveals about the culture DeVries is building and why it feels so different from recent Indiana teamsSam Alexis and Trent Sisley stepping up in critical moments as role players, making free throws and grabbing rebounds when starters fouled outPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana defeated Purdue 72-67 at Assembly Hall to earn Darian DeVries his first signature victory as Indiana's head coach and secure a crucial quad-one win for the Hoosiers' NCAA tournament resume. With the national championship football team honored before the game, Indiana jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead behind balanced scoring and relentless defense on Braden Smith, then survived a second-half offensive drought and several missed free throws to hold off Purdue's late charge and improve to 14-7 overall and 5-5 in Big Ten play.Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Bob Moats break down the massive victory and what it means for the program:Connor Enright's 40-minute defensive masterpiece on Braden Smith (holding the All-American to 14 points on 14 shots with five assists and four turnovers) and his ice-cold three-pointer at 65-63 that ended a crucial offensive droughtHow Indiana won the first half with physicality, defensive intensity, and a 21-6 run over the final eight minutes featuring clutch buckets from Reed Bailey, Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries, and Josiah MilesNick Dorn's breakout continued with 18 points including eight straight in a critical second-half stretch, plus key drives that showed he's more than just a shooterWhy Indiana's ability to avoid fouling (only 15 team fouls, nobody with more than three) while forcing Purdue into 10 turnovers was the defensive blueprint they've needed all seasonThe second-half offensive struggles when Indiana went too conservative too early, missing three front-ends of one-and-ones while trying to run clock with five minutes leftWhat this win means for the program's trajectory—not just making the tournament this year, but showing what DeVries can do with the right roster construction as a strong 2026 recruiting class takes shapeTucker DeVries's toughness leading the game with 10 rebounds despite being held scoreless in the second half, and the critical contributions from role players like Miles, Sicily, and BaileyPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana knocked off Rutgers 82-59 on the road in Piscataway to snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 13-7 overall and 4-5 in Big Ten play. Tucker DeVries looked like himself again with 16 first-half points to set the tone, while Nick Dorn exploded for a career-high 23 points in his first start, and Lamar Wilkerson added 27 to pace a balanced offensive attack that shot 50% from the field in both halves.Jerod Morris, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms break down the much-needed victory and what it means heading into Tuesday's rivalry game against Purdue:How Tucker DeVries carried over his late-game momentum from Michigan and opened the game with back-to-back threes to give Indiana early control they never relinquishedNick Dorn's breakout performance hitting six threes and showing the confidence to take (and make) a crucial step-back three when Rutgers cut the lead to 12Why Indiana's patient half-court offense and willingness to attack the rim in key second-half moments—particularly drives by Tayton Conerway and Lamar Wilkerson—kept Rutgers from making a serious runSam Alexis's defensive dominance with six blocks and 10 rebounds that gave Indiana the rim protection they've been missingThe smart veteran decisions Indiana made throughout—only five turnovers, 15 fouls, and proper shot distribution with their three scorers taking 48 combined attemptsWhat this performance means for building momentum heading into a crucial stretch with Purdue at home followed by road games at UCLA and USCAn extended celebration of Indiana football's national championship and what it means for Hoosier fans who finally have their own championship story to tellPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to third-ranked Michigan 86-72, extending their losing streak to four games and dropping the Hoosiers to 12-7 overall and 3-5 in Big Ten play. After falling behind 22-5 early without injured point guard Tayton Conerway and watching Tucker DeVries pick up two quick fouls, the Hoosiers never found their offensive rhythm against Michigan's size and defensive intensity, though they did show some fight late to cut a 24-point deficit to the final 14-point margin.Coach Tonsoni breaks down the loss solo and looks ahead to Rutgers:Why this team simply cannot go through 8-10 minute stretches scoring only four points against quality competition, and how those droughts continue to define their lossesThe roster construction issues that are becoming more apparent with each loss, particularly the lack of athletic drivers and post presence to attack good defensesTucker DeVries finally seeing shots fall late in the game after struggling for 30 minutes, and whether that can spark him moving forwardSam Alexis showing aggression and efficiency with 11 points in 19 minutes before fouling out, providing a glimpse of what Indiana needs from that positionReed Bailey's improved attack mentality driving to the rim, even if the finishing remains inconsistentCoach Tonsoni's measured approach to staying positive about the program's direction while acknowledging the deep frustration with how they're playing right nowWhy Friday's game at Rutgers feels critical for trying to end this streak before the Purdue rivalry game at Assembly HallPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana defeated Miami 27-21 to capture the program's first-ever national championship and cap an improbable 16-0 season.After jumping out to a 10-0 halftime lead, the Hoosiers weathered a second-half surge from the Hurricanes before a crucial fourth-down touchdown run by Fernando Mendoza and a game-sealing interception by Jamari Sharpe secured the victory and delivered the most unlikely championship in college football history.Coach Tonsoni, Bob, Mike, Eddie, and Ryan celebrate the historic moment and break down the game:How Indiana's defensive scheme of dropping eight into coverage neutralized Miami's explosive passing attack in the first half before the Hurricanes found seams in the secondFernando Mendoza's gutsy fourth-and-five touchdown run that embodied this team's resilience, and why it ranks alongside Keith Smart's shot in Indiana sports loreCoach Cignetti's brilliant timeout call in the final minutes that broke Miami's tempo and set up the game-sealing interceptionCharlie Becker's emergence as a clutch performer with crucial sideline catches that kept drives alive when Indiana needed them mostThe blocked punt by Mikail Kamara for a touchdown that restored a two-possession lead when Miami threatened to take controlWhy this represents the greatest coaching job in sports history and the most unlikely championship ever won, surpassing even the Miracle on IceWhat this moment means for former players who endured decades of losing, longtime fans who never thought they'd see this day, and Scott Dolson's 30-year journey to bring this vision to lifePlus: live reactions from Kirkwood Avenue, gratitude for everyone who believed, and the celebration of a lifetime for Hoosier Nation.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Iowa 78-61 at home, dropping the Hoosiers to 12-6 overall and 3-4 in Big Ten play in a third consecutive loss that has this season teetering on the ... yeah, you know what work is coming ... brink.After Iowa controlled the game from the opening tip and imposed their will on the Hoosiers, Indiana briefly cut the deficit to five in the second half before the bottom fell out once again, continuing a disturbing pattern of collapses that has defined their most disappointing losses this season.Jerod, Eddie, Bob, Mike, and Ryan break down the loss and assess where this program stands:Why this team simply isn't talented enough to play poorly and still compete, and how fatigue—admitted publicly by Darian DeVries—is starting to catch up with a rotation stretched too thinThe losing that's starting to creep into this team's psyche after three straight deflating defeats, and whether there's still enough will to fight through the brutal stretch aheadHow Iowa's Bennett Sturts and Payton Sandfort combined to nearly outscore Indiana by themselves, exposing the gap between teams with multiple attackers and Indiana's limited offensive optionsBob and Mike's eye-witness account from Assembly Hall, including the frustration on the bench and the vibes from a crowd that watched another winnable home game slip awayTayton Conway's ankle injury that removed the one player who could consistently penetrate Iowa's defense, and what it means when this team loses its only reliable driverThe roster construction issues that one host compares to having elite wide receivers but no offensive line or quarterback to get them the ballWhether Indiana is now in tournament danger zone after dropping two home games they should have won, and what the math looks like with Michigan and Purdue loomingThis episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Michigan State 81-60 in a deflating road loss that dropped the Hoosiers to 12-5 overall and 3-3 in Big Ten play. After battling back to tie the game at 53-53 midway through the second half following strong stretches to close the first half and open the second, the wheels completely fell off as Michigan State went on a devastating 26-2 run that turned a competitive game into a 21-point blowout and left Indiana searching for answers heading into a critical home matchup with Iowa.Jerod, Andy, Coach Tonsoni, and Ryan break down the loss and look ahead to Saturday's must-win game:Why these extended collapses in the second half are becoming a feature of this roster rather than a bug, and what it means for Indiana's ability to compete against quality opponentsThe physicality and athleticism gap that Michigan State exposed when they decided to clamp down defensively and took away Indiana's primary optionsTayton Conerway's frustrating inconsistency despite nine assists, and why his defensive intensity needs to return if this team has any tournament hopesCoach Tonsoni's pointed rant about mental toughness, off-ball movement, and effort—the kind that makes you think he might actually go run sprints in DelphiThe turnovers and bad fouls that continue to plague this team, including Reid Bailey's flagrant foul that epitomized a night of poor decisionsWhat Saturday's Iowa game has become after back-to-back devastating losses, and why it feels like a season-defining momentThe roster construction issues exposed by this loss and whether this team can still salvage an NCAA tournament berthPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana secured a crucial road victory over Maryland 84-66, improving to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play. After a sluggish first half where the Hoosiers struggled to find offensive rhythm against Maryland's physical defense, IU leaned on relentless drives to the free throw line—going 16-for-16 in the opening half—to take a five-point lead into the break, then exploded in the second half behind Lamar Wilkerson's sensational stretch to pull away for an 18-point road win.Andy, Coach Tonsoni, and Coach Moats break down the win and look ahead to a massive showdown with undefeated Nebraska:How Tayton Conerway and Conor Enright attacked the paint in the first half when Maryland's physicality took away Indiana's three-point looks, and why their aggressive drives to the basket opened up everything elseLamar Wilkerson's explosive 16-point second-half run where he scored 16 straight Indiana points to blow the game open, including a thunderous dunk that put an exclamation point on the victoryThe coaching adjustments Darian DeVries made throughout the game, and how Maryland's attempt to switch to a matchup zone in the second half backfired and opened up Indiana's offense even moreWhy Indiana's guards scoring 59 points with 18 rebounds and only four turnovers was the story of the game, and what it means for this team's ability to win different waysTrent Sisley's hustle plays on the offensive glass and his continued development as a freshman willing to do the little things to earn minutesThe lingering rebounding concerns on free throw blockouts where Maryland got three offensive rebounds that led to kickout threesWhat this road win means for Indiana's resume heading into a critical four-game stretch against Nebraska, Michigan State, Iowa, and MichiganPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana knocked off Washington 90-80 to improve to 11-3 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play. After a blistering offensive start where the Hoosiers hit five threes on their first five possessions, they had to navigate second-half foul trouble and some offensive struggles before pulling away for a crucial home victory.Andy, Coach Tonsoni, Ryan, and Jerod break down the win and look ahead to a big road test at Maryland:How Tayton Conerway and Conor Enright torched Washington's triangle-and-two defense designed to stop Tucker DeVries and Lamar WilkersonThe coaching adjustments Darian DeVries made throughout the game, including strategic zone looks and rotation decisions that neutralized Washington's sizeTrent Sisley's explosive second-half stretch where he channeled his inner Strap from Hoosiers and single-handedly extended Indiana's leadWhy Indiana's second-half foul trouble kept Washington in the game despite dominant stretches, and whether aggressive defense is worth the trade-offLamar Wilkerson's clutch performance down the stretch and how he continues to evolve as more than just a shooterWhat this balanced scoring effort (eight players with 4+ points) means for Indiana's ability to beat different defensive schemesCoach Tonsoni's incredible Rose Bowl experience and reflections on the Indiana football program's historic momentPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana handled Siena 81-60 to improve to 10-3 overall, closing out a solid non-conference slate before a 12-day break. The Hoosiers dominated the first half with a 46-20 lead behind intense defensive pressure, but struggled through the opening eight minutes of the second half before regaining control and pushing the lead back to 26 points.Coach Tonsoni, Ryan, and Andy break down a tale of two halves that featured excellent stretches mixed with concerning lapses, highlighting both the team's potential and persistent issues as they prepare for Big Ten play.Lamar Wilkerson's first-half dominance with 19 points showcased his expanded offensive game with shot fakes, drives, and playmaking ability.Tayton Conerway's second-half spark attacking the rim rescued Indiana from an eight-point drought to start the half.Nick Dorn's shooting surge since returning from injury gives Indiana crucial floor spacing as a legitimate three-point threat.The persistent fouling problem with 26 fouls called raises concerns about how this team will handle more athletic Big Ten opponents.Tucker DeVries' 11 rebounds and early post touches suggest potential tactical adjustments for facing bigger conference competition.Trent Sisley's limited nine minutes and the team's 11 assists against 13 turnovers highlight rotation questions and offensive flow issues.The 10-3 non-conference finish positions Indiana as a fringe tournament team (28th in KenPom) heading into a loaded Big Ten with seven top-25 teams.That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana suffered another loss, falling 72-60 to Kentucky at Rupp Arena in a game of two vastly different halves. The Hoosiers led 39-32 at halftime despite shooting just 21% from three-point range, but were overwhelmed in the second half by Kentucky, who combined with superior athleticism to spark a decisive run that exposed Indiana's lack of size and north-south ability.Coach Tonsoni, Bob, and Mike break down a disappointing performance where Indiana did many things poorly but still had chances to win before being outclassed by Kentucky's athletes in the final 15 minutes.Lamar Wilkerson's fourth foul at the 17-minute mark proved catastrophic, removing Indiana's best athlete just as Kentucky began dominating the glass and attacking downhill.Point guard play from Tayton Conerway and Conor Enright struggled under pressure, with the team finishing with just eight assists and 18 total turnovers.Nick Dorn's aggressive first-half drives and seven free throws showed the spark Indiana needs from him consistently against quality competition.Tucker DeVries battled hard with 15 points and seven rebounds, but Indiana's 4-for-24 three-point shooting made it impossible to overcome Kentucky's dominance in the paint.Kentucky's second-half lineup adjustments to feature their most athletic players exposed roster construction issues that will need addressing in future portal cycles.Indiana's 26-for-29 free throw shooting and competitive effort for 30 minutes offered some positives before fatigue and athleticism gaps became insurmountable.The week off before hosting Chicago State provides crucial time to work on ball security, limiting fouls, and finding more reliable interior scoring options.On the mics: Brian Tonsoni, Bob Moats, Mike WiemuthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And ... Lamar Wilkerson just hit another 3-pointer.Indiana bounced back emphatically from back-to-back losses, demolishing Penn State 113-72 at Assembly Hall to improve to 8-2 on the season and 1-1 in Big Ten play. Lamar Wilkerson authored one of the greatest offensive performances in program history, scoring 44 points on just 24 minutes while breaking both the Assembly Hall single-game scoring record and IU's single-game three-pointer record with 10 triples.Andy, Ryan, and Jerod break down a dominant performance where Indiana's offense clicked on all cylinders and the Hoosiers looked like a completely different team than the one that struggled against Minnesota and Louisville.Wilkerson's historic shooting display and how he attacked at all three levels, not just from beyond the arc, while maintaining unselfish play with four assists.The fast start that set the tone, with Wilkerson hitting three straight threes after IU's first miss and Indiana never trailing again.Reed Bailey's strong response to coming off the bench, scoring 18 points on perfect shooting while cutting harder and playing more aggressively.Tayton Conerway's all-around excellence with 17 points and seven assists, plus his defensive intensity that helped force 14 Penn State turnovers.The stunning offensive efficiency numbers, including 68.9% shooting from the field, 54.8% from three, and 30 assists on 42 field goals.Nick Dorn's continued development showing he can score off the dribble, not just from three-point range, as he reached double figures for the third time in four games.Plus, looking ahead to Saturday's marquee matchup at Kentucky between two teams ranked in the top 21 of KenPom, plus reflections on Indiana football's historic Big Ten Championship victory over Ohio State.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana suffered its second consecutive loss, falling 87-78 to No. 9 Louisville at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, dropping the Hoosiers to 7-2 on the season. The Hoosiers dug themselves an inexcusable 16-0 hole to start the game and never recovered, though they showed fight in the second half to keep the final margin respectable against a more talented, athletic Louisville squad in year two of their rebuild.Bob and Ryan break down a disappointing performance where Indiana played soft in the first half before competing much better over the final 20 minutes, though critical mistakes at key moments prevented them from ever truly threatening.The hosts examine Indiana's shocking inability to finish at the rim in the opening half and how that set the tone for 20 brutal minutes.They discuss the stark contrast between the first and second halves, including which adjustments helped Indiana finally compete and where momentum-killing mistakes derailed potential comeback opportunities.Nick Dorn's second-half performance gets the spotlight as he provided crucial shooting when Indiana desperately needed a spark off the bench.Connor Enright's defensive masterclass on Mikael Brown and what it revealed about Louisville's balanced offensive attack.The surprising statistical parity between these two teams in rebounding, turnovers, and hustle points—and what that gap between the stats and the eye test tells us about the talent differential.Concerns about the back-to-back nature of these losses and what Indiana must prove in upcoming games against Penn State and Kentucky.The broader context of a historic day for IU athletics, with the football team playing in the Big Ten Championship Game while basketball searches for answers.On the mics: Bob Moats, Ryan PhillipsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana suffered its first loss of the season, falling 73-64 at Minnesota in the Big Ten opener as the Hoosiers struggled with execution and physicality throughout while shooting just 40% from the field, 29.6% from three, and a dismal 60% from the free throw line. A blocked dunk attempt by Tucker DeVries late in the first half shifted momentum to Minnesota, and despite multiple opportunities to seize control, Indiana looked unfocused and rattled on the road for the first time under Darian DeVries.Andy, Coach Tonsoni, and Ryan break down a disappointing performance where Indiana did many things poorly but still had chances to win, examining what went wrong and how this veteran team needs to respond against Louisville on Saturday.The blocked DeVries dunk that changed the game's complexion, followed by Indiana putting Minnesota on the free throw line five straight possessions while going scoreless themselvesTayton Conerway's team-high 18 points in just 23 minutes as the only player consistently creating his own shot, raising questions about extended bench timeThe fatal free throw shooting (12-20, including 3-10 to start the second half) when Indiana had Minnesota's bigs in deep foul troubleLamar Wilkerson's gutsy second-half stretch hitting a three, blocking a shot, and getting a steal despite being blocked at the rim multiple timesSam Alexis's strong performance (10 points, 5-7 shooting) compared to Reed Bailey's struggles, highlighting the ongoing center rotation questionsThe stagnant offense managing just eight assists while failing to sustain defensive intensity or execute despite various adjustments from DeVriesMinnesota controlling tempo and out-rebounding Indiana 40-25 while holding them to just three fast break pointsAll that and more on this edition of The Assembly Call.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana cruised to a 100-56 victory over Bethune-Cookman to move to 7-0, responding emphatically after lackluster performances in their previous two buy games with crisp ball movement (15 assists on 17 first-half field goals), relentless defensive pressure, and balanced scoring that saw four players reach double figures. The Hoosiers never let up, building a 51-23 halftime lead and maintaining their intensity throughout.Coach Tonsoni breaks down the dominant performance while taking questions from the chat about Big Ten prospects, lineup rotations, and how Indiana will defend bigger teams like Michigan and Purdue.The offensive masterclass showcased by the ghost screen play—Conerway's behind-the-back pass to Enright who swung it to DeVries for three—epitomizing Indiana's ball movement philosophyNick Dorn's successful return to the rotation with 14 points on 4-5 three-point shooting in 19 minutes, adding another weapon to the perimeter arsenalLamar Wilkerson's response to a 1-8 three-point night by attacking the basket and finishing 6-7 inside the arc, showing how to impact the game when shots aren't fallingConor Enright's point guard skills on display with seven assists, including creating perfect angles on the fast break to find open shootersTrent Sisley's rim-running and backdoor cutting ability that makes Indiana's offense so difficult to guard, plus his nine rebounds off the benchThe defensive intensity that held Bethune-Cookman to 0.848 points per possession while forcing turnovers and contesting shots all nightIndiana's 84.2% free throw shooting and 27 assists on 36 field goals continuing the trend of unselfish, efficient basketballOn the mic: Brian Tonsoni (solo show)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana moved to 6-0 with an impressive 86-69 victory over Kansas State, delivering their most complete performance of the season. Suffocating defense held the nation's leading scorer PJ Haggerty to 16 points (12 below his average) and limited a high-octane Kansas State offense to under one point per possession. Reed Bailey overcame a rough first half to dominate the second half with 14 points in 16 minutes, while Conor Enright's defensive masterclass on Haggerty proved this team can win in multiple ways against quality competition.Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Bob Moats break down a statement win that has Indiana's defense rising to 15th in KenPom and the offense proving it doesn't need Tucker DeVries to go nuclear every night.Conor Enright's defensive clinic on Haggerty, fighting through screens and harassing him into "mental jello" all night while forcing Kansas State into uncomfortable mid-range jumpersReed Bailey's tale of two halves—three turnovers in 13 first-half minutes before erupting for 14 points on perfect shooting while finally playing through contact in the second halfTucker DeVries diving on the floor for loose balls and dishing five assists despite scoring just nine points, showing elite players don't let cold shooting nights affect their effortThe second-half rebounding dominance (outrebounding Kansas State 20-10) after getting outworked in the first half, proving Indiana can respond to adversity within gamesTrent Sisley's first-half spark off the bench with eight points in 15 minutes when DeVries and Bailey were strugglingThe offensive adjustment to spread the floor and create driving lanes for Tayton Conerway's aggressive rim attacks despite his seven turnoversIndiana shooting 71% on two-pointers and finishing plus-18 in hustle points while holding Kansas State to 40% from three (down from their 47% season average)Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.On the mics: Brian Tonsoni, Bob Moats, and Ryan PhillipsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana moved to 5-0 with a 73-53 victory over Lindenwood, but the sluggish, stagnant performance felt uncomfortably similar to some early-season struggles from years past until Tucker DeVries went nuclear in the second half.The Hoosiers gave up 48 rebounds including 17 offensive boards and couldn't maintain offensive flow without specific play calls from DeVries, raising questions about whether this team can sustain focus against inferior competition before Tuesday's test against Kansas State.Jerod, Andy, and Coach break down a game that revealed some concerning tendencies while also showing signs of maturity in how Indiana responded to adversity within the game.Tucker DeVries's second-half takeover where he scored 17 points in 16 minutes, including 13 points on five possessions, showcasing shot-making ability Indiana hasn't had in yearsSam Alexis's tone-setting performance with 10 rebounds and four blocks, bringing the physicality and energy that helped turn around a disastrous defensive rebounding effortThe critical timeout at 16:43 in the second half that sparked an immediate 16-3 run and showed this team's ability to refocus when things were getting uncomfortableLamar Wilkerson's defensive effort on a 4-16 shooting night, proving his offense didn't affect his defense and giving a glimpse of what kind of player he'll be when shots aren't fallingConor Enright's value as a non-shooter in Indiana's offense, with discussion about how to maximize a player who doesn't want to shoot but brings so much else to the tableThe offensive stagnation that plagued Indiana for long stretches, with too much standing around and one-on-one play until DeVries called specific sets to get players cutting and movingThe lingering question about Reed Bailey versus Sam Alexis and whether we'll see a change in the starting lineup or minutes distribution as competition increasesAll that and more on this edition of The Assembly Call.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.