Indiana Cruises Past Siena Behind Wilkerson’s Big Night and First-Half Dominance
BLOOMINGTON - Indiana took care of business Monday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, rolling past Siena with an 81-60 win that was all but decided by halftime.
The Hoosiers came out of the gates locked in on both ends, building a 26-point lead by the break and never looking back. Lamar Wilkerson led the charge with a game-high 23 points, and while the second half wasn’t quite as crisp, Indiana had already done more than enough to secure their 10th win of the season.
Let’s break down how they got it done.
1. First-Half Firepower Fuels the Win
For the second straight game, Indiana put together a dominant first half - and this one might’ve been even more lopsided than the last. The Hoosiers shot 53.8% from the field and hit nearly 44% of their looks from deep, punishing Siena’s defense with ball movement and shot-making.
On the other end, Indiana’s defense was just as locked in. Siena managed only 24.1% shooting before halftime, going 7-for-29 from the field and coughing up the ball seven times. That translated to just 0.59 points per possession - a number that tells you everything about how suffocating IU’s defense was early.
By halftime, it was 46-20. Game, essentially, over.
The second half wasn’t quite as clean - Indiana shot just 37.5% and turned it over eight times - but the cushion they built gave them plenty of room to coast to the finish.
2. Wilkerson Sets the Tone in a Balanced Effort
Lamar Wilkerson was the best player on the floor Monday night, and he wasted no time showing it. He poured in 19 points in the first half alone, adding five rebounds and four assists before the break. Whether it was knocking down jumpers or creating for others, Wilkerson was in full control.
He finished with 23 points and was the centerpiece of a balanced Indiana offense that saw four players hit double figures. Tayton Conerway and Tucker DeVries each added 16, while Nick Dorn chipped in 11.
Conerway, in particular, found his rhythm after halftime, scoring 12 of his 16 in the second half. He attacked the paint with purpose, using his quickness and strength to get downhill and finish through contact.
3. Free Throws Seal It - and Then Some
If there was one stat that really jumped off the page, it was Indiana’s performance at the free throw line.
The Hoosiers got to the stripe 30 times - a season high - and converted 26 of them, good for an 86.7% clip. That’s the kind of efficiency coaches dream about, especially in games where the offense slows down in the second half.
Wilkerson (6-for-6), Sam Alexis (4-for-4), Conerway (4-for-4), and Dorn (2-for-2) were all perfect from the line. For a team that came in shooting 76.2% on the year, this kind of night only boosts the confidence - and the season average.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Indiana improves to 10-3 and now heads into a well-earned break. The Hoosiers won’t be back on the court until January 4, when they return to Big Ten play with a home matchup against Washington.
If they can bottle up that first-half energy - and keep getting this kind of production from Wilkerson and company - they’ll be a tough out when conference play resumes.
Final Score: Indiana 81, Siena 60
Record: Indiana (10-3)
The Hoosiers handled their business Monday night. Now, it’s about rest, recovery, and ramping up for the Big Ten grind.