If you’re an Indiana fan, you probably have had November 30th circled on your calendar since the schedule dropped. It’s the day where two blue blood teams meet in a historic matchup, Indiana versus University of North Carolina. UNC was ranked number 1 in the country until they lost two games in a row prior to facing Indiana on the road.
Lucky for the Hoosiers, they defeated the Tar Heels 77-65 in a very loud Assembly Hall. Looking around the Hall there wasn’t an empty seat.
The big stage wasn’t a problem for two key players; Trey Galloway and freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino. Hood-Schifino never flinched nailing jumper after jumper. He shouldered the burden of his role as IU’s guard in the first half and helped the Hoosiers build a consistent lead.
“Jalen, as far as I’m concerned, has been solid ever since I got him,” Woodson said, “I have no complaints with Jalen. He tries to do all the right things, the winning things, to help you win.”
Indiana head coach Mike Woodson talks about Jalen’s performance, how effective Trayce was, how good this group is, and more.
Another player that provided the Hoosiers with spark and energy was from Trey Galloway.
“We call him crazy man,” Jackson-Davis said, “that’s how he is on the defensive floor. He really thrives off of that and getting steals and running, he’s a big playmaker.”
Throughout the second half Galloway’s “crazy man” mentality shined after back to back dunks, which brought a new kind of energy in Assembly Hall.
Galloway missed the last two games with a knee injury, came into the game just before the end of the first half with a layup after senior guard Xavier Johnson forced a turnover. Indiana had another defensive steal and Johnson found Galloway pushing up the court.
Then Galloway slammed Johnson’s pass in the net, bringing the crowd to the loudest part of the night.
Galloway finished the night with 11 points, one of four Hoosiers to score in double digits.
“Trey brings so much energy to our team especially on the defensive end of the floor,” Jackson Davis said.
Senior power forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and Freshman guard Jalen Hood-Schifino talk about their performances, Trey Galloway’s energy from the bench and more.
Senior forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and graduate guard Xavier Johnson combined for 41 points, more than half of the Hoosiers’ scoring total. The Tar Heels are strong and fast but could not seem to keep up with Xavier’s speed and Trayce’s strength.
“A lot of it is just playing hard man,” Woodson said.
Galloway and Hood-Schifino switched off defending UNC junior guard Caleb Love. Love shot just 31% and put up 13 points after entering the game averaging 20 points.
“I thought Galloway tonight was phenomenal, man,” Woodson said, “you learn to teach young guys how to play hard, man. That’s 90% of it, man. You figure the other 10% out through X’s and O’s and doing all the litle things that help you win. He’s figured that out. He figured that out a year ago when I took the job.”
Indiana begins Big Ten Conference play when they travel to Rutgers on Sunday, looking to continue their undefeated season. Tipoff is at 4pm in Piscataway, New Jersey.
