Flat IU basketball needs 17-0 run to avoid shocking Morehead State upset: Kansas hangover

Indiana University narrowly defeated Morehead State 69-68, with Anthony Walker's 18 points and strong play preventing an embarrassing loss.

Indiana University (IU) managed to secure a 69-68 victory over Morehead State, improving their season record to 8-3 (2-0 Big Ten). Despite the win, the game was a close call, with IU narrowly pulling through.

The atmosphere at Assembly Hall was notably different from the previous Kansas matchup, with the absence of the student section due to winter break resulting in a lack of energy from the crowd. This lack of enthusiasm was reflected in IU's performance, as they struggled to find their spark on the court. The Hoosiers' offense appeared lackadaisical, and they were outmatched on the boards early in the game.

It wasn't until IU found themselves down by 15 points with less than nine minutes remaining that they began to rally. The team managed to string together crucial defensive stops, igniting both the players and the fanbase. Despite shooting just 57% from the free-throw line, the Hoosiers capitalized on their stops, ultimately scraping together enough energy to avoid a devastating loss.

Morehead State's Jordan Lathon proved to be a formidable opponent, scoring 30 points and causing significant trouble for the Hoosiers. Lathon's performance underscored Indiana's reliance on Xavier Johnson, who was absent from the game due to a left foot injury. Johnson's absence left a defensive gap that IU struggled to fill, allowing Lathon to dominate the court.

However, IU managed to hold Lathon scoreless in the final 9:29 of the game, with Malik Reneau's crucial block sealing the victory for the Hoosiers. Fifth-year senior Anthony Walker also played a pivotal role, scoring 18 points and providing much-needed intensity for IU. Walker's performance, which included nine rebounds and a strong offensive presence, proved to be a game-changer for the Hoosiers.

Overall, IU's victory over Morehead State was hard-fought and at times, uncertain. However, the team's ability to rally in the face of adversity, coupled with standout performances from players like Anthony Walker, ultimately secured the win and prevented a potential setback for the Hoosiers.

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