Dayton, Ohio — After both teams fell short in their conference championships, there was still a chance at redemption by getting into the round of 64.
The Indiana Hoosiers (21-13) advanced in the NCAA Tournament by defeating the Wyoming Cowboys (25-9, 14-1) 66-58.
Indiana began the night on top with a strong 30-25 lead at the end of the first half.
The Hoosiers were led by Trayce Jackson-Davis who put up 29 points with nine rebounds.
Wyoming saw solid play from Graham Ike down low, who had several solid post moves to put up 17 points and had nine rebounds of his own.
Jackson-Davis won this entertaining battle down low and got to the line 11 times while converting nine of those opportunities.
Indiana would remain in the driver’s seat and did not trail in the second half to hold on for the victory.
Wyoming began to make a comeback while they were down by 10 points with a minute left, and the lead was cut to six.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Indiana knocked down a jumper to extend their lead, and there was not enough time for Wyoming to come back.
Indiana finished off Wyoming with some clutch free throws, and they can now continue dancing.
Wyoming Shot Well, Indiana Countered
The Cowboys held an advantage over Indiana in terms of total shooting, however, Indiana did the little things to win. They dominated the rebounding end with 15 offensive rebounds to Wyoming’s seven.
The Hoosiers also created turnovers with 18 by Wyoming while the Hoosiers only turned the ball over only eight times.
Hunter Maldonado shot the ball well for Wyoming, he shot 50 percent and picked up 21 points with five assists. Indiana forced him to have 10 turnovers though, as their defensive effort shined on the court and in the box score.
Wyoming guarded the perimeter well and only allowed Wyoming to knock down two three-pointers for the entire game.
Indiana Showing Their Big Ten Physicality
The Big Ten is known as a conference that plays a physical brand of basketball, and this rang true in Indiana’s most important game thus far.
For total rebounds, they were able to take a clear advantage with 39 rebounds to Wyoming’s 30 rebounds.
Wyoming also had to play more on the perimeter as they took 19 three-pointers and made six. This allowed players like Jackson-Davis to make an impact in the paint, and force Wyoming to beat them inside.
What’s Next?
Wyoming’s 25-win season has come to a close, while Indiana will advance to the round of 64 to take on the St. Mary’s Gaels.
