Indiana’s Mike Woodson after Penn State win: ‘We’re trying to get in the tournament’

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BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball has found a sense of purpose with its back against the wall.

The Hoosiers beat Penn State 83-78 on Wednesday night for its second straight win and third win in their last four games. They played inspired basketball in the second half just as they did in an upset victory over Purdue and slammed the door on PSU in impressive fashion.

Indiana (17-11; 8-9 Big Ten) allowed only two field goals after Trey Galloway connected on back-to-back 3-pointers that gave his team its first lead of the second half with 5:14 to go in the game.

More: Indiana basketball player ratings: Trey Galloway controls offense against aggressive Penn State

Indiana’s Anthony Leal (3) celebrates with Luke Goode (10) after Goode’s three-pointer during the Indiana versus Penn St. mens basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.

“I think we’re coming together and we know we’re a better team than we’ve shown,” Galloway said. “And we still have a chance and we’re fighting for a spot in the tournament and we’re fighting for just getting better and pushing our record in the Big Ten.

It was the type of performance in a close game that eluded IU for the better part of two months when they lost eight of 10 games. The Hoosiers lost five of those by 10 points or less and they gave up a lead in the final minute multiple times.

Indiana missed a few free throws in the final minutes, but there was no meltdown against Penn State.

“These guys are playing for something,” Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. “We’re trying to get in the tournament.”

Woodson, who is stepping down at the end of the season, is leaning into that sentiment by relying on a group of seniors — Galloway, Anthony Leal, Luke Goode and Oumar Ballo — who are looking to extend their careers with a tournament berth.

They each played 30-plus minutes in the win and more than 16 minutes in the second half. Galloway might not have even left the floor if he hadn’t picked up multiple fouls on…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/indianas-mike-woodson-penn-state-124639500.html

Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2025-02-27 12:46:00

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