This is why Trayce Jackson-Davis returned to Indiana for his senior season.
On Wednesday, Indiana (14-6, 5-4 B1G) needed every bit of Jackson-Davis’ 25 points, 21 rebounds, six blocks, and two assists to knock off upset-minded Minnesota (7-12, 1-8 B1G), 61-57 at Williams Arena. Miller Kopp and Malik Reneau also scored in double figures to help the Hoosiers snag the win.
There was plenty of pregame news prior to tonight’s game. Mike Woodson missed the game for Indiana, as he was recovering from a bout with COVID. Yasir Rosemond served as the head coach for Indiana in this game. IU still did not Xavier Johnson, who remained out for a ninth straight game.
On the Gophers side, Dawson Garcia and Pharrell Payne missed the affair. Garcia hurt his ankle against Michigan, while Payne was put in concussion protocol.
Race Thompson started for the first time since the Iowa game on Jan. 5. He joined Jalen Hood-Schifino, Trey Galloway, Miller Kopp, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. For Thompson, tonight was his final college game back in his home state of Minnesota.
IU’s new starting lineup got off to a solid start, leading 10-7 at the first media timeout. There was a clear directive to get Jackson-Davis involved early, as he touched the ball on nearly every possession against Minnesota’s overmatched forwards. Kopp drilled two threes to help IU’s cause.
The Gophers made it clear they weren’t going to roll over at home in this mid-week contest. IU’s offense managed just 18 points in the first 14 minutes of the ball game, with Minnesota coach Ben Johnson deploying a zone defense frequently to fluster the Hoosiers.
