The Hoosiers shot just 57 percent at the free-throw line - if that mark was around, say, 80 percent, this could’ve been a more comfortable win. Indiana’s rebounding effort was poor for much of the game, which allowed Morehead State to build its lead. The “buddy ball” duo of Kel’el Ware and Malik Reneau did not pack its usual punch for most of the night. IU had a litany of other things go wrong on Tuesday. Five-star freshman Mackenzie Mgbako has shown flashes of strong offensive play, but he’s been inconsistent there, while consistently struggling defensively. The Hoosiers do not have enough outside shooters - and they’ve had just as much trouble defending the 3-point line. Its guard depth is thin with Xavier Johnson injured, and while Gabe Cupps has done some good things in an expanded role, the freshman has to continue developing his body and his game to make a more consistent impact. Many of Indiana’s issues are well-documented by now.

I’ve just got to keep working as a coach to get them better to make sure that we don’t put ourselves in that position again.”

“I was very disappointed in how we played the first half. That’s on me, man,” Woodson said after the game. That doesn’t mean you come back the next game and lay an egg to start the game. I thought we did a lot of good things in that game, but we just fell short.

IU head coach Mike Woodson said those sorts of letdowns should never happen, particularly at home.

Only one team looked ready to play ball from the opening tip, and it was not the team in white uniforms. But it wasn’t close for much of the evening, and Indiana’s poor effort and self-inflicted wounds had a lot to do with that. It would be one thing if the sole reason this game was close was because of Morehead State’s strong play. And Morehead State (8-4), in fairness, is no slouch - the Eagles are one of the top teams in the Ohio Valley this season and could contend for the league’s NCAA Tournament bid. This was a potential letdown spot for IU coming off a highly-anticipated game with an electric atmosphere.

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