Bloomington Ind. - Perfection. That’s how Indiana Women’s basketball rang in the new year. The Hoosiers took down the Michigan Wolverines tonight 80-59, uplifted by an offensive clinic making their first 15 shots.
Oftentimes, it can feel like one player can’t miss, but rarely an entire team. Shooting 13/13 from the floor and 6/6 from three in the first quarter, Indiana bolstered a 36-17 lead after 10 minutes.
Facing off against one of the premiere defenses in the Big Ten, and in the NCAA, Indiana’s offense found its rhythm from the jump and didn’t look back.
“We knew we had to get out of the gates early. We had to strike first. (We) Talked a lot about being the aggressor tonight,” said head coach Teri Moren.
While Indiana could not maintain that offensive onslaught, they continued to outscore the Wolverines in every quarter.
Mackenzie Holmes led the way for Indiana, scoring 20 points on the night scoring at an efficient 7/10. Holmes was accompanied by Sara Scalia with 16 points and Sydney Parrish with 14. The two were also accountable for seven of Indiana’s nine three-pointers.
“I don't know why you would ever leave Sara Scailia open on the perimeter, but they did, and she made them pay, same with Sydney Parrish,” said Holmes.
However, Michigan never fully went away. Especially during the second half, the Wolverines matched Indiana’s stride, resulting from a more aggressive defensive play.
Once Michigan began applying tighter pressure from the perimeter, it started to disrupt Indiana’s offense. While 14 turnovers slowed down the Hoosier offense, Michigan could only capitalize off of them with 13 points.
Junior guard Laila Phelia led all scorers on the night with 23 points. Along with her offensive efforts, she caused problems defensively, Phelia tacked on two steals as well.
The Hoosiers advance to 12-1 on the season and 3-0 in conference play. Postgame, Moren highlighted what the common denominators have been during their 11-game win streak.
“We have different people show up and step up…I’ve really liked how we have shared the ball…and our ability to recognize who’s hot and get them the ball,” said Moren.
This Sunday, Indiana will face off against a talented Nebraska team led by Alexis Markowski. Additionally, #4 Iowa remains in the near sights of Moren and company. The top two Big Ten teams will square off in a sold-out Assembly hall on Jan. 13th.
