Heavy-hearted Indiana basketball mourns Bob Knights, wins exhibition game over Marian

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball’s past loomed over Assembly Hall on Friday night as the Hoosiers secured a commanding 94-61 exhibition victory over Marian.

The game began with a moment of silence honoring the late former coach Bob Knight, who passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday. Throughout the night, the program paid tribute to Knight’s legacy through video tributes and heartfelt messages from various IU luminaries on the jumbotron.

Indiana’s current team sought to honor their former coach by showcasing a product that would make him proud, while also introducing the “RMK” patches they will wear for the rest of the season.

More: Breaking the ice: Remembering Bob Knight’s impromptu return to Indiana’s campus

The Hoosiers’ defense held Marian to a paltry 32.3% shooting and forced 15 turnovers, utilizing their length to exploit the undersized Knights team. Xavier Johnson set the tone by securing a steal in the backcourt on Marian’s first possession.

The offense, which showed some rough edges in the previous exhibition against the University of Indianapolis, displayed more refinement this time around.

Sophomore Kel’el Ware stole the show with a game-high 20 points, particularly shining in the second half, along with 11 rebounds. He was one of five Hoosiers who reached double figures, alongside fellow starters Mackenzie Mgbako (15 points) and Malik Reneau (14 points).

Indiana consistently pushed the pace in transition, displaying greater aggressiveness at the rim compared to their performance in the previous exhibition. The Hoosiers accumulated 27 fast break points and converted 21 of 25 free throws, a significant improvement from their 11-of-20 performance as a team in the first exhibition.

Marian managed to stay within reach at halftime due to their proficiency beyond the arc, shooting 9 of 20 from 3-point range in the first half. However, they missed their first nine attempts from downtown in the second half, with their first successful 3-pointer coming with 3:06 remaining in the game.

Sophomore guard C.J. Gunn made a significant impact off the bench for IU.

He contributed 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, injecting instant energy every time he entered the game. Gunn drew thunderous cheers from the crowd, aside from the “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby” chants that erupted during halftime after a video recap of Knight’s return to Assembly Hall in 2020.

Gunn further thrilled the crowd with a one-handed slam in the final seconds on a fast break.

More: Why Bob Knight’s practice visits were bittersweet for Indiana coach Mike Woodson

Although limited in the preseason due to a groin pull, Indiana forward Kaleb Banks took the court and played significant minutes after halftime. Despite encountering foul trouble in the first half, Banks demonstrated comfort around the basket, showcasing his skills against double-teams. He also proved to be an active defender, even when defending on the perimeter.

Banks finished with 12 points and four rebounds.

The Hoosiers played without Payton Sparks, who suffered a lower body injury in the previous game against Indy.

Indiana basketball will host Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday, November 7 in their season opener.

Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on Twitter @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana basketball beats Marian in second exhibition game