**Mgbako's Career-High Fuels Indiana's Season Opening Win**

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Mgbako's Career-High Fuels Indiana's Season Opening Win

The Indiana Hoosiers kicked off their season with a resounding 88-63 victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, and a standout performance from freshman forward, Malik Mgbako, fueled the win. Mgbako, the highly touted recruit, exploded for a career-high 21 points, showcasing his potential and adding another dimension to the Hoosiers' offensive attack.

Mgbako's Dominant Display

Mgbako's offensive prowess was on full display from the outset. He connected on 8-of-12 shots from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, demonstrating a well-rounded scoring ability. His smooth jump shot and aggressive drives to the basket left the Panthers' defense struggling to contain him. Mgbako also added 6 rebounds and 3 assists, highlighting his all-around impact on the game.

A Balanced Hoosier Attack

While Mgbako led the way, Indiana's victory was built on a strong team effort. Jalen Hood-Schifino added 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, showcasing his leadership and ability to distribute the ball effectively. Trey Galloway (15 points) and Tamar Bates (10 points) contributed crucial points, demonstrating the Hoosiers' offensive depth.

Defense Leads the Way

Indiana's victory was not solely built on offensive firepower. The Hoosiers dominated the defensive end, holding Eastern Illinois to just 38.5% shooting from the field. Their aggressive defense forced 14 turnovers, creating numerous transition opportunities and fueling their fast-paced offense. The Hoosiers' ability to control the pace and disrupt the Panthers' rhythm proved to be decisive.

A Promising Start

This resounding season opening win is a promising sign for the Indiana Hoosiers. Mgbako's impressive performance demonstrates the potential he brings to the team, while the overall balanced offensive and defensive displays suggest that Indiana is ready to compete for a Big Ten title. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season as the Hoosiers continue to build momentum.

Keywords: Indiana Hoosiers, Malik Mgbako, Eastern Illinois, season opener, career-high, basketball, college basketball, Big Ten, win, performance, offense, defense, scoring, rebounds, assists, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Trey Galloway, Tamar Bates