Indiana showed improved offensive balance and competitive spirit in defeating Rutgers at Assembly Hall, overcoming the early loss of Malik Reneau to secure an important conference win.

Despite an incredible 39-point performance from Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, the Hoosiers maintained control throughout most of the second half and found enough offensive firepower to secure a double-digit victory.

Playing with just one big man after Reneau's injury, Indiana's offense showed better spacing and flow, leading to a breakout three-point shooting performance (12-of-27) and strong games from Myles Rice (21 points) and Oumar Ballo (17 points, 12 rebounds).

Key discussion points from the show included:

• The benefits of playing with one big man and improved offensive spacing
• Strong performances from role players like Anthony Leal and Luke Goode
• Indiana's improved competitive effort and hustle plays throughout the game
• The importance of building on this performance with tougher games ahead
• Questions about Malik Reneau's status moving forward after his early knee injury

Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Jerod Morris, Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms

While the win came against a Rutgers team missing one of its star freshmen, it represented an encouraging step forward in Indiana's effort and execution as they head into a challenging stretch of Big Ten play.

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