Following a 10-day break since its last game, the No. 4 Indiana women’s basketball team came back revitalized. The Hoosiers handled Morehead State University with ease in an 87-24 win — the third-largest victory margin in program history.
Indiana wasted no time jumping out to an early lead. Senior forward Mackenzie Holmes made her presence known early, scoring 15 seconds into the game and notching the next two baskets for Indiana to start on a 6-0 personal run.
After Morehead State senior guard Veronica Charles scored the Eagles’ first — and only — field goal of the quarter, freshman guard Yarden Garzon took her turn to make a run. Garzon connected on back-to-back threes to quickly extend Indiana’s lead 12-3.
The Hoosiers dominated on both ends of the floor in the first frame, shooting an astonishing 68.8% from the field while holding the Eagles to 7.7%. After 10 minutes of play, Indiana led 28-4 and had created an insurmountable lead.
“The challenge for our group was to come out of the gates early and to play with a bunch of energy,” Indiana head coach Teri Moren said. “There was a concern we’d come out a little bit flat, but we challenged them this morning and I was proud of how they responded.”
The second quarter was more of the same for both teams. Indiana outscored Morehead State 16-8 in the second frame, continuing to stifle the Eagles’ offense while scoring with ease on the other end. Leading 44-12, Indiana tied its largest halftime lead of the season.
In the second half, Indiana was able to showcase its depth and rest its starters. A near-mirror image of the first half, the Hoosiers outscored the Eagles 43-12 in the final 20 minutes of play.
All 12 available players made it on the court for Indiana, and 11 got their names in the scoring column. While Moren’s previous teams have lacked depth, Sunday’s contributions from all 12 players proved the Hoosiers can rely on their bench. Four Hoosiers scored double-digit points and seven scored seven or more.
“Really happy that we had a game like today where everybody can get in and play,” Moren said. “We’ve talked about this depth from the beginning. The more minutes those kids get, regardless of what the score looks like, is going to be good for us.”
Garzon led the way, scoring 16 points, including four deep balls. Senior guard Sara Scalia added 13 points, while Holmes and junior guard Sydney Parrish each chipped in 12.
Indiana once again showcased its ability to score from beyond the arc. The Hoosiers shot 9-of-18 from three-point range — high in both volume and efficiency.
Another factor that can be attributed to Indiana’s offensive clinic is passing. The Hoosiers had 21 assists on 33 made field goals, continuously rotating the ball to create open shots. Indiana’s guards were the main distributors, but the entire team shared the wealth, as 10 players finished with at least one assist.
“We can play pretty basketball by sharing it, not taking bad shots and giving up good shots for great ones,” Moren said. “You have to have willing people and players in your program that are willing to do that.”
The Hoosiers’ defense completely shut down the Eagles. Morehead State finished the game shooting 17.6% from the field with 25 turnovers.
Indiana’s dominant win moves its record to 11-0 on the season. The Hoosiers are one of 11 teams who remain unbeaten this season.
Indiana will play one more game before another break for the holidays. The Hoosiers will take on Butler University Dec. 21 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., and the game will be available to watch on BTN+.
