WEST LAFAYETTE — Indiana got run out of Mackey Arena on Friday night, losing 93-64 to No. 7 Purdue.
Tucker DeVries scored 11 points on six shots, pacing IU early, and Lamar Wilkerson came on late for 20 points.
Here’s what I liked and disliked, and what the Hoosiers’ defeat means.
What I liked in IU basketball’s loss at Purdue
What I disliked in IU basketball’s loss at Purdue
What IU basketball’s loss at Purdue means
In a coldly analytical way, not much. The nature of the loss won’t help the Hoosiers’ metrics, and this fanbase will never excuse a lackluster effort in its in-state rivalry.
But in so many ways, this season is defined now by making the NCAA tournament, and capping the proof of concept DeVries has laid out with the baseline success of appearance in the postseason.
In that effort, given what the Hoosiers have done and what they have left (and setting rivalry aside for a moment), this game was a largely free hit. What mattered most before tipoff still does: IU must finish strong in its final three home games. Win those, and a place in the field of 68 beckons, Friday night’s result be damned.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball can’t slow down No. 7 Purdue to complete season sweep, gets blown out
Reporting by Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
