6-Banner Sunday: Wilkerson’s Statement Game, Bracketology Momentum, and More from Bloomington
Indiana basketball fans had a lot to cheer about this week, and it wasn’t just the throwback to the undefeated '76 squad. Lamar Wilkerson put on a performance for the ages, the Hoosiers strengthened their NCAA Tournament hopes, and both the men’s and women’s teams came away with crucial wins. Add in some football staff news, Olympic sports updates, and a peek ahead to next season’s non-conference slate, and it’s safe to say this was a banner week in Bloomington.
Let’s break it all down:
Banner #1 - Wilkerson Drops 41 as Hoosiers Roll Past Oregon
When Indiana needed a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, Lamar Wilkerson delivered a performance that will be talked about for a long time in Assembly Hall. The senior guard exploded for 41 points in a 92-74 win over Oregon, torching the Ducks with a second-half shooting clinic that saw IU hit 82% from the field after the break.
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. The Hoosiers controlled the game down the stretch and looked every bit like a team ready to make a March run.
Wilkerson’s offensive outburst led four Hoosiers in double figures, and it came on a night when Indiana honored its legendary 1975-76 undefeated national championship team. The celebration included the announcement of a statue to honor the late Bob Knight-a fitting tribute on a night when IU basketball felt like IU basketball again.
Head coach Darian DeVries addressed the media postgame, while Indiana-focused outlets broke down the performance from every angle-film sessions, takeaways, and columns all pointed to one thing: this team is finding its identity at the right time.
Next up? A major road test in Champaign against an elite Illinois team.
Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Banner #2 - Bracketology: Hoosiers Trending Up
At 17-8 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play, Indiana is starting to separate itself from the bubble pack. Winners of five of their last six, the Hoosiers now boast two Quad 1 wins and a NET ranking hovering in the low 30s-metrics that suggest they’re not just in the field, but inching toward solid footing.
The key? Convincing wins and avoiding landmines. IU has done a better job this year of not letting bad losses pile up, and their recent dominance over struggling teams has helped boost their profile.
Most bracket projections, including Andy Bottoms’ from Inside the Hall and Assembly Call, have Indiana slotted as a 10-seed. Others have them on the 9-10 line.
If they can take care of business in their next two home games against lower-tier Big Ten opponents, they’ll likely solidify their spot. But to avoid a trip to Dayton for the First Four, grabbing one more quality win-maybe even today in Champaign-would go a long way.
Banner #3 - Bellarmine Added to 2026-27 Non-Conference Slate
While the current season is still full of possibilities, Indiana’s future schedule is slowly taking shape. The Hoosiers will open next season on November 5 with a home game against Bellarmine, a program that recently made the jump to Division I.
This matchup joins the already announced showdown with Kentucky at Lucas Oil Stadium in what promises to be a marquee non-conference event. Bellarmine and IU haven’t met in official competition before, though they did play an exhibition back in 2015-16. The Knights, based in Louisville, bring a disciplined, motion-heavy style that could provide a good early test for Indiana’s next iteration.
Banner #4 - Women’s Hoops Tops Purdue, Keeps Postseason Hopes Alive
The Indiana women’s basketball team may have stumbled through January, but they’re starting to find their footing again. A 74-59 win over rival Purdue marked their third straight victory and gave them a critical boost in the Big Ten standings.
With only the top 15 teams making the conference tournament, this win helped IU climb above the cutline. Upcoming matchups against Rutgers and Penn State-two struggling squads-offer a chance to solidify a spot in the field and stay above .500 overall. That would also make the Hoosiers eligible for postseason play in either the WNIT or the newer WBIT.
Despite being without leading scorer Shay Ciezki, Indiana nearly pulled off an upset over USC earlier in the week, thanks in large part to freshman Maya Makalusky’s breakout 29-point performance. Makalusky looks like a future star for the program, and her emergence gives IU fans something to be excited about beyond this season.
Today, the Hoosiers face a tough test against UCLA.
Banner #5 - Podcasts and Programming from Assembly Call and Back Home Network
This week’s Podcast on the Brink featured a deep dive into Indiana’s tournament outlook, with Alex Bozich joined by Delphi Bracketology’s Brian Tonsoni. They broke down the Hoosiers’ resume, what’s left on the schedule, and what IU needs to do to avoid bubble drama in March.
Meanwhile, the Back Home Network continued its full slate of IU-focused programming, offering analysis, fan takes, and insider commentary throughout the week.
Banner #6 - Hoosier Roundup: Football Staff Moves, Olympic Sports in Action
- Football: Tino Sunseri is back on staff, and defensive coordinator Brian Haines was honored as the nation’s top assistant. Expectations are rising for next fall as the new staff continues to take shape.
- Softball: IU picked up wins over Pacific, Nevada, and Portland State, but fell to Arizona State in early-season action.
- Women’s Tennis: The team stayed perfect on the year with wins over Virginia Tech and Bellarmine.
- Water Polo: Indiana grabbed victories over Mercyhurst and Mount St. Mary’s.
- Baseball: The season opened with a tough sweep at the hands of a powerhouse North Carolina squad. Still, three Hoosiers earned preseason honors from the Big Ten.
- Track & Field: IU athletes competed at both the Music City Challenge and Valentine Invitational.
- Women’s Soccer: The program announced its spring exhibition schedule.
- Swimming & Diving: Head coach Ray Looze was elected to the ISCA Hall of Fame-a well-deserved honor for one of the sport’s most respected voices.
That’s a wrap for this week’s 6-Banner Sunday. From Wilkerson’s heroics to bracket buzz and beyond, it’s a good time to be a Hoosier fan. Stay locked in-there’s plenty more to come.