Mandy
Indiana basketball delivered an impressive performance Tuesday night, defeating Kansas State 86-69 and sending fans into the holiday break with confidence.
The No. 24 Hoosiers used experience, depth, and disciplined defense to remain undefeated at 6-0. Here’s a breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and what this victory signals for IU moving forward.
What Went Right For Indiana In The Win Over Kansas State
Balanced Scoring And Shared Responsibility
In a matchup where the pace was predictable but the scoring wasn’t, Indiana leaned on its depth. Stars like Tucker DeVries, Lamar Wilkerson, and PJ Haggerty struggled early, but IU’s veterans carried the load until the offense settled.
- Reed Bailey poured in 21 points,
- Tayton Conerway added 19,
- Trent Sisley chipped in 12 off the bench,
- And Conor Enright delivered timely 3-pointers and standout defense.
By the time the marquee players found their rhythm, the Hoosiers had already built a strong advantage thanks to their ability to distribute offensive duties across the roster.
Conor Enright’s Elite Defense On PJ Haggerty
Enright deserves special recognition for his exceptional defensive effort. Haggerty entered the contest as one of the nation’s top scorers, averaging 28 points per game.
Enright consistently frustrated him, forcing turnovers, drawing offensive fouls, and limiting his overall impact.
Haggerty ended the game with six turnovers, far from his typical production. Enright’s work ensured Kansas State’s most dangerous weapon never found comfort inside Assembly Hall.
Overall Defensive Strength
Kansas State (5-2) arrived as one of the highest-performing offensive teams in the country, but Indiana shut down nearly every aspect of their attack.
- The Wildcats were held to 0.96 points per possession,
- And just 42.1% shooting from the field.
IU may face stronger opponents this season, but few offenses are as efficient as Kansas State’s—and Indiana made this one look average.
A Tough, Gritty Win
This matchup offered a chance to prove Indiana’s toughness against a physically comparable team. With Marquette not providing that test earlier in the season, Kansas State became the true measuring stick.
The Hoosiers responded with aggression on the glass, resilience after missed shots, and discipline at the free-throw line. It was a win built on physicality, effort, and mental toughness, showing IU can handle pressure even when the offense doesn’t flow smoothly.
What Indiana Needs To Improve
Avoiding Overreliance On The 3-Point Shot
Indiana’s commitment to the perimeter game is refreshing, but it became a trap in the first half. Of the 22 three-point attempts in the opening period, many were quality looks—yet several were forced or unnecessary.
The change in approach became clear when IU opened the second half with a 20-point lead by attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and exploiting Kansas State’s weak two-point defense.
Reducing Turnovers
Turnovers haven’t plagued Indiana this season, but they became a concern when shots weren’t falling.
A team that has often posted an assist-to-turnover ratio better than 2:1 played nearly even in both categories for long stretches Tuesday.
Since IU’s success is rooted in efficient offense, carelessness with the ball limits their scoring potential and increases pressure on their defense.
What The Win Means For Indiana Basketball
Indiana proved it can succeed against a strong, well-coached opponent with elite offensive capabilities.
There will be more difficult matchups ahead, but this commanding performance shows the Hoosiers have the experience, depth, and defensive discipline necessary to compete at a high level.
This win wasn’t luck—it was earned.
Indiana’s victory over Kansas State showcased a balanced offense, elite individual defense, and the kind of toughness great teams possess.
With multiple players stepping up, strong execution on both ends of the floor, and the ability to adjust mid-game, the Hoosiers demonstrated they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
If IU continues to defend with this intensity and maintain offensive discipline, their undefeated start could be a preview of a promising season.