- Indiana Daily Student

Happy Monday, Hoosiers! One of our sports editors, Matt Press, wrote this introduction. Enjoy today's newsletter.

Happy New Year Hoosiers! Last week No. 4 Indiana women’s basketball split games to Michigan State and Nebraska to kick off the beginning of its full conference slate, and No. 16 Indiana men’s basketball was off following its win over Kennesaw State University.

The extended break was necessary for the men’s team, which ended conference play in shaky fashion. A Sunday matinee against Northwestern on Jan. 8 will be the Hoosiers first game of 2023, and it will be crucial for struggling players like freshman forward Malik Reneau and graduate forward Race Thompson to provide contributions. An emerging bright spot, though, is sophomore guard Tamar Bates who has showcased electrifying three-point potential. Consistent guard play and outside shooting will be some of the main keys for Indiana as it looks to return to its early season form.

After entering the holiday break with a perfect 12-0 record, the No. 4 Indiana women traveled to East Lansing, Michigan for a matchup with the Spartans to conclude 2022. Indiana’s offense was stagnant in the first quarter and fell to an eight-point deficit — the largest of the season to that point. In the third quarter, though, the Hoosiers trailed by 11 points, marking the first time they were down double digits. The Hoosiers were able to spark a comeback courtesy of brilliant offensive showings from senior forward Mackenzie Holmes and freshman guard Yarden Garzon. Despite a career- high 32 points from Holmes, Indiana committed a season-worst 21 turnovers which were the games deciding factor.

Indiana was able to bounce back from its first loss and return get back to its winning ways on New Year’s Day. The Hoosiers took down Nebraska 74-62 in Assembly Hall in front of a packed and energetic crowd. Indiana was inconsistent through the first four quarters, especially with midrange and outside shooting. However, when it mattered most, junior guard Sydney Parrish came through to knot the game at 62 late in the fourth quarter and send it to overtime. From there, the Hoosiers dominated. Parrish and Garzon, along with stout defense from senior guard Sara Scalia, propelled Indiana to a 12-0 run in the extra period to seal its first win of 2023. The Hoosiers next turn to a road matchup with Northwestern Sunday, Jan. 8 as they look to continue asserting their dominance in the Big Ten.

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Women's Basketball Reporters: Matt Sebree, Will Foley & Matt Press

Men's Basketball Reporters: Emma Pawlitz, Evan Gerike & Bradley Hohulin

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