BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — There are going to be early struggles at the beginning of a season especially when practices and scrimmages have been limited because of a pandemic.

Indiana showed its fair share of rust in an 89-59 victory over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Wednesday night in Bloomington. However, with the rust there were bright spots as the Hoosiers earn their first victory of the season.

“It was just a different feel, but we needed this game bad to play against somebody else,” Indiana head coach Archie Miller said. “I think everybody is excited we were obviously able to get the win. Some guys did some really good things in the game. We got a lot of guys in the game which was good. So, we have some feedback now against somebody else.”

Trayce Jackson-Davis remains Indiana’s best offensive weapon

TJD Tennessee Tech
Photo: Indiana University Athletics

Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to be the Hoosiers’ best offensive attack. IU’s leading scorer from a year ago took some time to find his rhythm from the previous season. Jackson-Davis started the game 1-of-6 from the field and had just four points at the first media timeout. Even with the missed layups early, Jackson-Davis did not stray from the inside recording five rebounds at the first break.

Indiana (1-0, 0-0 B1G) focused on the perimeter early and had a 25-17 lead at the 8:11 mark keeping Tennessee Tech close. The Hoosiers found 3-point shots outside but could not connect, shooting just 2-of-8. The Golden Eagles kept fighting back and gained momentum entering the under eight timeout.

Then, once the second media timeout was over, Jackson-Davis played like the All-Big Ten freshman team member from last season. The Greenwood, Ind. native took advantage in the paint and would not be silenced. He hit five of his next six field goals finishing the first half with 14 points and seven rebounds.

“Trayce is such an important part of what we are doing,” Miller said. “I think you could tell at the start of this game he was maybe little nervous or a little rushed. He missed some easy baskets, but then once we settled down I thought our guys did a good job of popping in in to him a couple times to get him started. Then, once he got started I think he was himself.”

Jackson-Davis continued his dominance in the second half and even made a jump shot near the 3-point line. The ability to hit outside shots is something he is developing through footage of various practices. Nonetheless, he was successful in his deepest attempt on Wednesday.

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Jackson-Davis recorded his 13th double-double of his career after scoring a game-high 26 points with 11 rebounds.

As tougher competition rises, it is going to be key for Indiana to get the ball to their best player. He is the main piece of the Hoosiers’ offense and has the capability of getting the IU back on track offensively.

“Getting the first one under the belt is good, but when the lights are the brightest and you are playing against the best players and teams that is when Trayce usually really kind of gears it up, so I’m anxious to see him as we get down here to Asheville,” Miller said. “He is going to need to be terrific for us.”

Highs and lows from the freshmen

Photo: Indiana University Athletics

Freshmen will have their ups and downs as they began their collegiate career. For Indiana, its freshmen have shown glimpses of what they can be for the Hoosiers. They also showed that there is plenty of room for development this season.

Indiana’s 2020 recruiting class ranks 15th in the country and second in the Big Ten according to 247Sports. There is an abundance of talent in that group with five-star Khristian Lander, four-star Jordan Geronimo, and three-star players Anthony Leal and Trey Galloway.

The freshman with the biggest impact Wednesday night was no doubt Galloway and it was by doing the little things.

Hustling in transition and beating everyone down the court for open layups, that is what Galloway did Wednesday night. On one play, Jackson-Davis caught the ball mid-air and led Galloway with a one handed pass past half court for an easy layup. Galloway sprinted in transition on another play while receiving an on-target bounce pass from Lander for another score. The Culver, Ind. native recorded 13 points off the bench on 6-of-9 shooting with two rebounds and two assists.

“He got out in transition at least three or four times and made good plays,” Miller said. “He can really finish. He is good in the open floor. I think you got a chance to see what we see in the open floor and how he attacks.”

Galloway went 0-of-2 on 3-pointers Wednesday night, but if he develops the deep ball in his game then Indiana has a new weapon to use on offense.

“I thought he played really well,” Jackson-Davis said regarding Galloway’s performance Wednesday night. “First game under your belt against another team, we have been beating up on each other in practice, so just trying to execute it. Overall I thought he played really well, especially for his first game.”