In a shocking turn of events on Thanksgiving Day, the Indiana Hoosiers faced a staggering 89-73 defeat against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, marking their second consecutive loss in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. Here’s how the game unfolded and what this means for Indiana moving forward.

First Half: A Tough Start and Small Resurgence

The game began disastrously for Indiana, as they quickly fell behind with an 8-0 deficit. Just when it seemed like the Hoosiers might mount a comeback, they briefly took an 18-16 lead thanks to a three-pointer from freshman Mackenzie Mgbako. However, that spark quickly extinguished as Gonzaga seized control of the game.

Gonzaga's rebounding prowess was on full display, as they relentlessly capitalized on Indiana's weak interior defense. The Bulldogs dominated the offensive glass, snagging 56 percent of their missed shots and converting those opportunities into 17 second-chance points. It wasn't long before Indiana found themselves in a deep hole, with Gonzaga closing out the half with an impressive 24-8 run, finishing at 57-39.

Second Half: Indiana Struggles to Respond

As the second half commenced, it became increasingly clear that Indiana was unable to counter Gonzaga's offensive strategy. Despite their previous efforts, their defense continued to falter, allowing Gonzaga to maintain a commanding lead. The Hoosiers now sit at 4-2 for the season, and it’s evident they have significant adjustments to make in order to remain competitive.

For the second time in as many games, Indiana allowed an opponent to score 89 points or more, prompting concerns about their defensive capabilities as they head into their next matchup. They will face the loser of the Davidson versus Providence game in the seventh-place game of the tournament on Friday at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2.

Standout Performance: Oumar Ballo Shines Bright

For Gonzaga, Oumar Ballo was the standout performer, showcasing his elite skills with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals over 32 minutes of gameplay. His versatility and efficiency were key factors in Gonzaga’s victory.

Concerning Statistics for Indiana

The statistics tell a troubling tale for Indiana. The Hoosiers allowed Gonzaga to score an eye-popping 1.2 points per possession and surrendered 23 second-chance points. Additionally, Indiana's inability to control the boards, yielding 39 percent of Gonzaga's missed shots, raises alarm bells moving forward.

As Indiana prepares for their next challenge, fans will be hoping for a turnaround performance. Can the Hoosiers bounce back after consecutive defeats? Only time will tell as they look to regain their footing in the tournament. Stay tuned for updates!