Indiana Downs Oregon Behind Wilkerson’s 41-Point Showcase in Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON - On a night when the rim looked like a moving target early, Lamar Wilkerson found his rhythm - and then some. The senior guard shook off a cold start to torch Oregon for 41 points, powering Indiana to a 92-74 win at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. With the victory, the Hoosiers move to 17-8 on the season and 8-6 in Big Ten play, continuing to build momentum as the regular season winds down.
Let’s break down how Indiana took control and never looked back.
1. Wilkerson Catches Fire After Slow Start
It’s not often you see a player miss his first five shots and still end up with 41 points - but that’s exactly what Wilkerson did. The Big Ten’s leading scorer didn’t flinch after a tough opening stretch. Instead, he settled in and delivered one of the most efficient scoring performances of his career, hitting 13 of his final 15 shots, including 6-of-12 from deep.
Wilkerson’s ability to stay composed and find his spots was a masterclass in shot creation. Whether he was pulling up from the perimeter or attacking off the dribble, Oregon had no answers. He also chipped in five rebounds and three assists, showing once again why he’s the engine that drives this Hoosiers squad.
This was the second-highest scoring game of Wilkerson’s career - just three points shy of his 44-point outburst against Penn State earlier this season. And while the numbers jump off the page, it was the timing of his buckets - especially during Indiana’s second-half surge - that truly swung the game.
2. Offensive Efficiency Hits Another Gear
Indiana’s offense didn’t exactly come out of the gates blazing. Through the first 12 minutes, they had just 14 points on the board. But once they cracked the code on Oregon’s defensive scheme, it was a completely different story.
The Hoosiers erupted for 56 second-half points, slicing through the Ducks’ defense with sharp ball movement and high-percentage looks. The team shot a blistering 60% from the field overall, and their second-half efficiency was off the charts - scoring 1.81 points per possession after the break.
Sam Alexis was a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor, providing a steady interior presence and capitalizing on every opportunity around the rim. His performance helped Indiana post an overall offensive efficiency of 1.46 points per possession - a number that speaks to how well this team executed once it found its rhythm.
3. Clean Possessions and a Team Rebounding Effort
Indiana didn’t just win with shot-making - they took care of the ball and controlled the glass, two areas that often go overlooked but make a huge difference in tight matchups.
The Hoosiers turned the ball over just nine times, continuing a trend of disciplined offensive play that’s been a hallmark of their recent success. Against a long and athletic Oregon team, that kind of ball security was crucial in keeping momentum on Indiana’s side.
They also held their own on the boards, outrebounding Oregon 29-25 and limiting the Ducks to just eight offensive rebounds despite a size disadvantage. It was a true team effort on the glass, with guards crashing down to help. Conor Enright led the way with six rebounds, and Wilkerson added five of his own.
That collective effort helped neutralize Oregon’s frontcourt and ensured Indiana stayed in control of the tempo.
What’s Next
With this win in the books, Indiana now turns its attention to a road test at Illinois on Sunday - a matchup that could carry major seeding implications as the Big Ten tournament approaches.
But for now, the story is Wilkerson - and a Hoosiers offense that’s clicking at just the right time. If they keep playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the conference.