SIMON SKJODT ASSEMBLY HALL — In Indiana men’s basketball’s 76-57 win over Miami (OH) on Friday, Miami went six minutes and 19 seconds without scoring in the middle of the second half. A big reason for that was Indiana center Oumar Ballo.
Ballo was everywhere for the Hoosiers on Friday, which is why Indiana handily won a game it led by just two points at halftime. The new transfer from Arizona finished the game with 14 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. He contributed to several much-needed facets of the game for Indiana (7-2).
“This is really the first time Ballo in his career has been featured,” Indiana head coach Mike Woodson said. “I mean, he's such a big load. We had the size advantage tonight. I thought we took advantage of it, especially in that stretch where I think they went like six minutes without even scoring.”
What Ballo brings to IU is of utmost importance. He’s the team’s best defender and rebounder, two areas where the Hoosiers struggle mightily without him (and sometimes with him). The 7-footer’s ability to shut off the rim defensively is why Miami was just 11-of-32 (34.4%) on 2-pointers. That helps explain why Ballo had a game-high +29 +/-.
Having an experienced big man like Ballo is critical for this Hoosier squad. The sixth-year senior has seen and accomplished a lot in his time playing college basketball, and that gives IU a boost on the floor.
The six assists tied a career-high for Ballo, who played his 141st career college game on Friday. Miami frequently trapped Indiana on pick-and-rolls, and Ballo operated well from the foul line and short-roll area, where he found open teammates in 4-on-3 situations.
“Coach has a lot of trust in me making the right play,” Ballo said after the game. “That's why (in) ball screen situations, the ball is in my hand a lot, to make the right read. Fortunately for us tonight the shots were falling, so happy with the result.”
Ballo won’t get six assists every night, but having a big man who can pass that well changes a lot offensively. If Ballo can continue to make the right plays and distribute the ball well, IU should be able to space the floor well enough to generate open shot attempts.
Despite Ballo’s all-around effort, Indiana still left much to be desired in this game. Lackluster defense from the Hoosiers allowed the RedHawks to sink seven 3s in the first half, and Indiana had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). Woodson knows his team must improve going forward.
“We were just taking chances on passes that just weren't there and doing things with the ball off the dribble that just wasn't there,” Woodson said of the Hoosiers’ turnovers. “So these are things that, man, you just got to fix. Moving forward, once we start playing Big Ten basketball, plays like that can really put you in the hole with these good teams.”
Big Ten play begins on Monday for IU, as it hosts Minnesota in Assembly Hall. IU will follow that game with its first true road game of the season at Nebraska on Friday, Dec. 13.
For the Hoosiers to get off on the right foot in conference play, they’ll need more balanced performances from Ballo and to nail the little things on both ends of the floor.
