Thoughts on an 85-71 loss to the Nittany Lions:
Early on, this much was clear: Penn State looked very much like some of the lower-level, non-conference opponents the Hoosiers had trouble putting away earlier this season. Speedy guards. Lots of spacing on offense. Quick 3s. Gimmicky defense with the press.
With both healthy enough to play this afternoon, IU, as usual, retained the advantage down low with Kel’el Ware and Malik Reneau.
But unlike in the non-conference season where Indiana eventually prevailed despite some shaky moments, this one ended much differently.
As Penn State continued to drop in 3-pointers and gain confidence in the second half, its press — coupled with a stronger emphasis to stop Ware and Reneau — messed with the Hoosiers enough to absolutely break them.