Indiana Shows Grit and Growth in Hard-Fought Win Over Iowa
On a chilly January night in Bloomington, the Indiana Hoosiers brought the heat inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, grinding out a physical, high-energy performance against the visiting Iowa Hawkeyes. It was a game that didn’t just showcase Indiana’s evolving identity under head coach Darian DeVries-it made a statement about where this team is headed.
From the opening tip, the Hoosiers played with a sense of urgency that’s becoming a hallmark of DeVries’ tenure. The energy was palpable, the effort relentless. And while the scoreboard told one story, the real narrative was in the hustle plays, the defensive rotations, and the way Indiana imposed its will in key moments.
Sam Alexis Brings the Hammer
Forward Sam Alexis wasted no time setting the tone. Early in the first half, he threw down a thunderous dunk that sent the Assembly Hall crowd into a frenzy.
But it wasn’t just about the highlight-it was about the message. Alexis played with force and confidence, anchoring the frontcourt and giving Indiana a physical edge in the paint.
His presence was felt on both ends. Whether he was challenging shots at the rim or muscling through defenders for second-chance points, Alexis looked every bit the interior enforcer Indiana needs as Big Ten play intensifies.
Tayton Conerway’s Two-Way Impact
Guard Tayton Conerway continued to show why he’s becoming one of the most dependable players in the Hoosiers’ rotation. He was all over the floor-diving for loose balls, pushing the pace in transition, and attacking the rim with a fearless mentality.
One of the standout sequences came when Conerway sliced through Iowa’s defense and finished over Bennett Stirtz, a bucket that not only electrified the crowd but also underscored his growing confidence as a shot creator. Later, he was back on the floor diving for a 50/50 ball, the kind of effort that doesn’t show up in the box score but wins you games in the Big Ten.
DeVries’ Fingerprints All Over This One
This was a game where you could see Darian DeVries’ imprint on just about every possession. Indiana’s defensive rotations were sharp, the communication was clear, and the commitment to contest every shot was unwavering. The Hoosiers didn’t just play hard-they played smart.
DeVries also showed trust in his bench, mixing lineups to keep the energy high and legs fresh. The result? A team that looked cohesive, connected, and committed to doing the dirty work.
Iowa’s Fight and McCollum’s Challenge
To their credit, the Hawkeyes didn’t back down. Under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, Iowa showed flashes of the up-tempo, motion-heavy offense he’s known for. But Indiana’s defensive pressure disrupted their rhythm, forcing tough shots and limiting clean looks from the perimeter.
McCollum spent much of the first half barking instructions, trying to get his team settled against Indiana’s aggressive defense. There were moments when Iowa looked like they might find a groove, but Indiana’s ability to respond to each run with poise and execution kept the visitors at bay.
What This Means Moving Forward
This win won’t make national headlines, but it matters. It’s the kind of gritty, grind-it-out performance that builds character and confidence. Indiana didn’t just beat Iowa-they outworked them, out-toughed them, and showed flashes of a team that’s starting to believe in its identity.
With Big Ten play heating up, every possession matters, and every win counts. If the Hoosiers can bottle this effort and bring it consistently, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the conference.
For now, though, the story is simple: Indiana defended home court with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of Hoosier pride.