Indiana Hoosiers vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Predictions December 9th 2024

Indiana Aims to Limit Turnovers Against Minnesota

As the Indiana Hoosiers prepare for their Big Ten opener on Monday night in Bloomington, Ind., coach Mike Woodson is focused on improving one specific aspect of his team’s play: limiting turnovers.

Hoosiers Riding Momentum

The Hoosiers (7-2) are on a three-game winning streak, with their most recent victory coming in a 76-57 decision against Miami (Ohio) on Friday. Indiana shot an efficient 53.8 percent from the field and dominated the glass with a 46-29 rebounding edge.

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However, Indiana’s 16 turnovers outnumbered its 15 assists in that game, a detail that has Woodson concerned.

“We were taking chances on passes that weren’t there,” Woodson said. “We have to fix it. If we start Big Ten play like that, it puts you in a hole.”

Oumar Ballo’s Breakout Performance

One bright spot for Indiana has been Oumar Ballo, the Arizona transfer, who had a stellar outing against Miami with 14 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists. It marked his 35th career double-double but first in an Indiana uniform.

Ballo is averaging 12.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, contributing to a balanced Hoosiers offense. Malik Reneau leads the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game on 58.9 percent shooting, supported by a cast of four double-digit scorers.

Minnesota’s Challenges

The Golden Gophers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) enter the matchup looking to bounce back from a 90-72 loss to Michigan State last Wednesday. Minnesota has struggled with perimeter shooting, ranking 311th in Division I in 3-point percentage (29.7 percent).

On the positive side, Mike Mitchell Jr. returned from a high ankle sprain and scored 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. His presence could help the Gophers stretch defenses moving forward.

“He’s a difference-maker in terms of being able to space the floor,” Minnesota coach Ben Johnson said. “He provides offensive firepower and a guy who can make shots and take pressure off our offense.”

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Key Players to Watch

• Dawson Garcia leads Minnesota with 19 points per game, providing consistency in scoring.
• Indiana’s Malik Reneau will be pivotal in setting the tone offensively and defensively for the Hoosiers.

Historical Edge

Indiana holds a commanding 109-69 lead in the all-time series against Minnesota.

Outlook

The Hoosiers aim to maintain their winning momentum while cleaning up their turnovers, a necessity for success in Big Ten play. Minnesota, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on Mitchell’s return and improve its shooting to secure a much-needed conference win.

This matchup will test Indiana’s discipline and Minnesota’s ability to find offensive consistency as both teams vie for an early-season Big Ten victory.