Myles Rice and Oumar Ballo lead Indiana to beat Rutgers 84-74

On January 5, 2025, Indiana faced off against Penn State in a highly anticipated matchup held at The Palestra in Philadelphia. The game was part of the Big Ten Conference and marked the fifth contest hosted by the venue, known as 'The Cathedral of College Basketball.' Indiana, having a record of 12 wins and 3 losses before the game, aimed to extend their winning streak. The first half concluded with a tie at 29-29, following a scoring burst by Indiana early in the second half, which allowed them to establish a lead. Oumar Ballo was notable for his strong performance throughout the game. In the second half, Indiana quickly built a lead of 41-29 after a series of effective plays, including three-pointers from Mackenzie Mgbako. Despite a late surge from Penn State that cut the lead to just four points at 65-61, Ballo's layup and free throw extended Indiana's advantage once again. The highlights of the game included critical free throws and a strong defensive stand by Indiana in the final minutes, which secured their 77-71 victory despite persistent attempts from Penn State to catch up. Earlier in the week, Indiana faced Rutgers, where Myles Rice and Oumar Ballo again were instrumental in the team's success, helping to secure an 84-74 victory. The Hoosiers demonstrated resilience and strategic play, particularly in the second halves of both games. Indiana's continued success can be attributed to their solid teamwork and the ability of players like Ballo and Rice to perform under pressure, with this latest victory solidifying their stronger position in the Big Ten standings. Overall, Indiana’s efforts and significant contributions from key players like Oumar Ballo show their potential as a formidable contender this season. As they prepare for their next game against USC, the momentum gained from defeating Penn State allows them a degree of confidence moving forward in their schedule, further boosting their aspirations for the remainder of the season.