NCAA Basketball: Duke, Illinois, and Virginia tumble in latest top 25 power ranking

19. Indiana Hoosiers

After losing 3 of 4 games, as well as starting point guard Xavier Johnson for the foreseeable future, all eyes were on freshman guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who is effectively taking over the offense. His first two tests were home games against Elon and Kennesaw State, both of whom ultimately were victories.

Against Elon, Hood-Schifino went for 17 points and seven assists in the 96-71 result. Without star forward Trayce Jackson-Davis in the game, Race Thompson produced 18 points and 11 rebounds. The matchup with Kennesaw State was much closer, with the game within range late in the second half. But a late run by the Hoosiers provided the 69-55 victory.

The freshman guard once again had a good game with 18 points in 32 minutes on 6/8 shooting from the field. But it was Tamar Bates with 19 points off the bench that proved to be pivotal in avoiding the upset. Thompson had another big game on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds total.

Just in case Jackson-Davis needs a little more time to rest, Indiana will be off the next week, not playing until January 5th against Iowa on the road. That’s more practice time for Hood-Schifino to get used to being the lead guard, as the competition level ratches up, with Big Ten play ahead.