[6BS] IU Tops Chattanooga
Hoosiers Struggle Again But Come Out On Top
Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.
Indiana’s struggles continued as they returned to non-conference play. While the latest game did not result in a loss, the outcome was another nail-biter against a mid-major squad.
Besides this, readers will find info about women’s basketball, where former Hoosier players are, Bracketology, and weekly shows. We will as usual conclude with a look at other IU sports led by football falling in the playoffs.
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Here is what is in this week’s edition:
Hoosiers Edge Chattanooga
Women Top Bellarmine
Former IU Players’ Whereabouts
Bracketology And Power Rankings
Weekly Shows
Hoosier Roundup-Hoosiers Fall In College Football Playoff
IU men’s basketball will play six games this season on Peacock and the women will play five contests on Peacock, making the streaming service a must-have for IU basketball fans. Sign up for Peacock using Inside the Hall’s link to help support the site and also enjoy Big Ten hoops all season long! In total, over 70 men's and women's games featuring Big Ten teams will air on Peacock this season (The link is an Inside the Hall affiliate link, so a commission will be paid to ITH if you click and subscribe to Peacock. Alex and the ITH team appreciate your support!)
Banner #1: Hoosiers Edge Chattanooga
The Hoosiers got back in the win column at Assembly Hall on Saturday as they returned to non-conference play. However, it was far from impressive as Indiana was taken to the wire against Chattanooga.
With Jakai Newton joining Gabe Cupps on the sidelines due to a long-term injury, IU trailed for much of the first half. The Hoosiers did finally pull ahead in the final 20 minutes but the Mocs stayed close throughout. In the end, though, Indiana held on for a less-than metrics-pleasing 74-65 victory. Only two players reached double figures for the home side as Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau each chipped in 14 points.
The squad improved to 9-3 overall. They have a long break until December 29 when they have their non-conference finale against Winthrop.
Afterward, IU coach Mike Woodson spoke, Inside the Hall had a photo gallery, Ryan Corazza wrote a Minute After, Alex Bozich put together Five Takeaways and a story about what has gone wrong for Indiana, while Will Foley penned a column about the lackluster performance.
Banner #2: Women Top Bellarmine
While the men continue to struggle, the women’s side is quietly improving as the year goes on. Last Sunday they had their largest margin of victory this season against a decent Bellarmine squad 95-61 to improve to 8-3. The Hoosiers placed seven players in double figures as Karoline Striplin continued her strong play with a team-leading 17 points.
Indiana has their final non-conference game of the 2024-2025 season today against Oakland. However, they got a little bit of bad news as Lenee Beaumont (who has yet to appear this fall) had knee surgery and will redshirt.
Banner #3: Former IU Players’ Whereabouts
With the trade of former Hoosier center Thomas Bryant to the Pacers last week, Inside the Hall looked at where former IU players in the NBA stand. The other players in the pros are OG Anunoby (Knicks), Eric Gordon (76ers), Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Warriors), Kel’el Ware (Heat), and Cody Zeller (Hawks).
Indiana also has players who were once in Bloomington but transferred to other colleges. This list includes Kaleb Banks (Tulane), CJ Gunn (DePaul), and Payton Sparks (Ball State).
Banner #4: Bracketology And Power Rankings
While March Madness is still several months away, that has not stopped Bracketology from being released at this early point. IU has much work to do as they sit as one of the first four out according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi. It should be noted this projection was made prior to Saturday’s close call. This result likely did the Hoosiers no favors to improve their standing as their NET sits outside of the at-large range again.
Also, they sit towards the bottom of the league. Current power rankings have them 14th of 18 according to Inside the Hall.
On the other hand, the women’s strong play of late has made their postseason outlook much less tenuous. With victories over Baylor, Columbia, and Stanford they sit safely in the tournament as a 9-seed. With an elite Big Ten and a NET of around 40, this number could improve even more with a strong conference season.
Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel
Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.
The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both
Jerod Morris
and
have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?
Banner #5: Weekly Shows
Podcast on the Brink was recorded this week. It featured UMHoops’ Dylan Burkhardt discussing the Big Ten.
The Back Home Network was on-air multiple times in the last few days. Assembly Call Postgame, seven Crimson Cast episodes, and Dribble Drive were all recorded this week.
Also, on a different note, Woodson’s radio show was live for a fourth time this fall. On it, the team’s recent play was discussed.
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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Hoosiers Fall In College Football Playoff
Football’s record season came to an end with a loss to Notre Dame in the playoffs to finish 11-2. Also, Curt Cignetti picked up another Coach of the Year award.
Men’s soccer had three players drafted by the MLS.
Volleyball added two more players to the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. They also had a trio of current athletes honored academically and another signed to play professionally.
Swimming and diving added a grad transfer who medaled in the recent Paris Olympics. Also, several IU athletes competed at the World Aquatics Championship.
Men’s Tennis released its schedule for the coming spring.
16 IU athletes graduated as part of the winter commencement.
Thanks for your continued support for The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.
Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.
Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.