Indiana opened their 2023-24 season with a solid 80-61 victory over SIU Edwardsville, powered by sophomore Mackenzie Mgbako's breakout 31-point performance that served notice his offseason development was no mirage.

From the Assembly Call postgame discussion:

• Mgbako's transformed confidence leads to a career-high 31 points on efficient 13-of-17 shooting
• Myles Rice, Trey Galloway, and Kanaan Carlyle bringing distinctly different but complementary skills at guard
• High expectations meeting early growing pains for Oumar Ballo
• Questions about defensive rebounding after allowing 16 offensive boards
• Signs of an evolving offensive identity under Mike Woodson
• A dominant individual performance earns the game ball
• Hustle Award goes to a spark plug guard who elevated the entire team's energy

The Hoosiers move to 1-0 and will look to build on this foundation when they host Eastern Illinois on Sunday at noon.

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

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