Now comes final test of IU’s resolve. Keep fighting, not just for this year, but long-term.

WEST LAFAYETTE – A pronounced tone of defeated finality weaved its way through postgame questions posed to Mike Woodson, Kel’el Ware and Trey Galloway late Saturday, in the wake of a 79-59 road loss to rival Purdue.

Defeat marked Purdue’s first season sweep in the series in three years, the margin of defeat an aggregate 41 points across games here and in Bloomington. It was the Hoosiers’ fourth loss of at least 20 points this season, explaining at least to some extent the assumption Indiana (14-10, 6-7) would display a sense of permanent deflation here, in the building that hosted IU’s best win under Woodson less than one year ago.

It is fair to say — possibly to the Hoosiers’ credit — that such suggestions were met with bemused shrugs, and firm denials. As senior captain Trey Galloway said simply, “We know our season’s not over.”

“It’s far,” he continued, “from over.”

Woodson’s team is promised seven more regular-season games. The toughest of them, on paper, will be played at home. The Hoosiers get an eight-day gap now to rest, improve and prepare.

A bye week, then three weeks, seven games plus the Big Ten tournament for everyone to decide what they want from this season — and in some cases the remainder of their college careers — how it fits into what IU needs and what it contributes to the foundation Woodson is trying to lay to ensure nights like this are consigned to the waste bin of program history.

Mike Woodson after loss to Purdue: ‘We are gonna have to add some pieces.’

After blowout loss to Purdue: Mike Woodson says ‘season’s not over yet’

“I’m not frustrated,” Woodson said. “I’ve got to just continue to teach. We’ve got to continue to work, and put the guys in the best position possible to win. Tonight was just not our night.”

There’s no good way to lose a rivalry game, much less by 20 points, but there were few surprises awaiting Indiana or its fans Saturday night.

The Hoosiers started brightly, hitting four of their…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-02-11 05:28:15

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