With Indiana’s men’s basketball team facing a short turnaround before hosting Iowa at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the focus is on Mackenzie Mgbako’s continued improvement. According to Coach Mike Woodson, Mgbako has shown significant progress, particularly in rebounding and defensive efforts. Mgbako’s defensive awareness and positioning have notably improved, marking a significant growth in his overall game. Woodson praised Mgbako’s relentless effort on the boards and his ability to make tough shots inside.
As for the upcoming game against Iowa, both teams have identical overall and Big Ten records at 12-8 and 4-5. Despite their similar records, the paths they have taken to get there have been quite different. Iowa started 0-2 in December, while Indiana started 2-0 in Big Ten play, suggesting a challenging year for Iowa. However, Iowa has managed to right their ship, winning four of their last six games. On the other hand, while Iowa excels offensively, ranking sixth nationally in made field goals and 11th in points, their defense is a concern, giving up an average of 77.4 points per game.
As for Indiana, the team is hoping to continue their recent success as Mgbako and the rest of the team continue to grow and improve. With the support of Coach Woodson and the team’s relentless work ethic, the Hoosiers are looking to build on their recent momentum and secure a victory against Iowa.
