Indiana dropped its fourth straight game on Tuesday night, falling 86-72 to Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Hoosiers ran into a buzzsaw in the form of the top-ranked team in the country (per KenPom), and while there were some offensive bright spots, the defensive issues that have plagued IU throughout Big Ten play were once again front and center.
Let’s break down the five biggest takeaways from the Hoosiers' latest setback:
1. Indiana couldn’t stay in front - or out of foul trouble
Michigan’s offense is built on versatility and size, and both were on full display against Indiana. The Wolverines consistently attacked mismatches and forced IU into difficult defensive decisions - most of which ended in fouls.
The numbers tell the story: Michigan posted a free-throw rate of 62.3% (free throw attempts per field goal attempt), their second-highest mark of the season. For Indiana, that’s the second-worst free-throw rate they’ve allowed all year - only Kentucky got to the line at a higher rate against them.
Conor Enright and Sam Alexis both fouled out, and Reed Bailey was one whistle away from joining them. The only thing that kept this game from getting completely out of hand was Michigan’s own struggles at the stripe - they shot just 22-for-33.
Still, when you’re putting the No. 1 team in the country on the line that often, you’re playing with fire.
2. The offense wasn’t the problem
It might not have felt like it watching live, but Indiana actually put together one of the better offensive performances Michigan has allowed all season. The Hoosiers finished with 1.027 points per possession - the fourth-best mark any team has posted against the Wolverines this year.
That’s not nothing, especially given Michigan’s reputation as a defensive juggernaut.
IU leaned heavily on the perimeter, attempting 59.6% of their shots from beyond the arc - the second-highest three-point rate Michigan has faced this season. The Hoosiers hit 11 of 34 from deep (32.4%), which isn’t elite, but it was enough to keep the game from turning into a total runaway.
With post scoring limited and Michigan’s length neutralizing much of Indiana’s interior action, the game plan shifted to the outside. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a reasonable adjustment against a defense that doesn’t give up much at the rim.
3. Defensive struggles are becoming a trend - and not a good one
Indiana’s defense has been slipping, and Tuesday was just the latest example. For the fourth straight game, the Hoosiers allowed more than 1.2 points per possession. That’s a tough number to overcome, no matter how well you shoot.
Here’s the rundown during this four-game skid:
- 1.241 PPP allowed vs.
Nebraska
- 1.25 vs.
Michigan State
- 1.286 vs.
Iowa
- 1.227 vs.
Michigan
In Big Ten play, IU is now surrendering 1.158 points per possession - 11th in the conference. That’s not a sustainable formula for success, especially in a league known for its physicality and half-court battles.
Until Indiana finds a way to tighten the screws defensively, they’re going to struggle to climb out of the bottom half of the standings.
4. Tucker DeVries found his rhythm - but too late
The game was essentially over before it ever really began. Michigan jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first five minutes and never looked back.
Tucker DeVries had a rough start, picking up two fouls in the first 80 seconds and turning the ball over on IU’s opening possession. He went scoreless in the first half, missing both of his field goal attempts in 12 minutes of action.
But give credit where it’s due - DeVries bounced back in the second half with a strong offensive showing. The 6-foot-7 senior scored 15 points in 18 minutes after the break, shooting 5-for-9 from the field and 4-for-7 from three. It was a needed spark, especially with Lamar Wilkerson struggling (0-for-5 from deep, eight points in 38 minutes).
DeVries’ second-half surge didn’t change the outcome, but it’s the kind of performance Indiana will need consistently if they’re going to turn things around.
5. Michigan is elite - but not invincible
Make no mistake: Michigan is a legitimate national title contender. Dusty May’s squad has the size, depth, and defensive chops to make a deep run in March. But even the best teams hit rough patches, and right now, Michigan looks a little more human than they did earlier in the season.
Indiana became the fifth straight opponent to score more than a point per possession against the Wolverines - a stark contrast to the first 13 games of the season, when that only happened three times.
The Wolverines still won comfortably, and their 14-point margin was their largest since a 30-point win over USC on January 2. But the recent defensive slippage has dropped them to No. 2 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency rankings.
That’s not panic-worthy, but it’s something to monitor. For now, Michigan keeps rolling - but teams are starting to find cracks in the armor.
Indiana’s losing streak continues, and while there were some encouraging signs on offense, the defensive issues remain the biggest concern. If the Hoosiers are going to right the ship in Big Ten play, it starts on that end of the floor. Because in this league, you can’t just outscore your problems.