IU basketball vs. Tennessee player ratings: How new-look Hoosiers fared in exhibition win

If Indiana basketball’s performance in its showcase exhibition is anything to go by, the Hoosiers are good value for their preseason hype.

Mike Woodson’s remade roster delivered a hard-fought 66-62 preseason win at Tennessee, in a compelling matchup of preseason top-20 programs with league-title ambitions this winter. Here’s how the new-look Hoosiers graded out from their first competitive runout together.

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All ratings out of 10.; *denotes Man of the Match

STARTERS

∎ Myles Rice: 9/10*

Seemed to be struggling with cramps in the second half but wasn’t slowed down when it mattered. Missed all three 3s, an area of his game he needs to improve, but his ability to control the pace of a game with the ball in his hands was just as encouraging as his midrange-to-basket offense. Even with the cramps — and probably playing more minutes than Mike Woodson would prefer with others out — Rice hit the free throws that ultimately clinched the game. A man-of-the-match debut with 20 points, four assists.

∎ Kanaan Carlyle: 6/10

Spent the afternoon hunting his offense but never really found it. Finished 2-of-7 from the floor, 1-of-6 from 3, with five points. That score gets a one-point boost for Carlyle’s four assists and three rebounds (and the broader idea that he didn’t let his offense affect the rest of his game). But it’s clear he’ll be at his best when the open 3s he missed go in.

∎ Mackenzie Mgbako: 7/10

Much better second half than first. Got aggressive and delivered offense when the Hoosiers had other key contributors on the bench. Scored all 12 points after halftime, showing off both his 3-point shot and his midrange threat. The latter was particularly noteworthy given Mgbako reached for it in isolation situations. Just something to earmark for possessions down the road when Indiana needs a bucket late in the clock.

∎ Malik…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iu-basketball-vs-tennessee-player-215414600.html

Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-10-27 21:54:00

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