3 observations from Indiana’s 96-68 exhibition win over Butler

Indiana men’s basketball beat Butler 96-68 in exhibition play on Sunday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

There’s obviously only so much you can take away from a game like this, especially with Darian DeVries emphasizing beforehand that the Hoosiers didn’t scout the Bulldogs in an effort to have the team respond to what was in front of them.

Here’s three quick observations from the game:

These Hoosiers are big on the boards

Rebounding was a point of emphasis for Indiana this offseason after DeVries’ first team’s lack of presence on the glass doomed it in Big Ten play.

That showed up in a big way, literally. Aiden Sherrell led the Hoosiers with nine rebounds with both of Jaeden Mustaf and Trevor Manhertz right behind him with eight apiece. Manhertz’s performance was particularly notable as Indiana’s standout freshman, pulling down those eight in 20 minutes off the bench.

Interestingly, Samet Yigitoglu finished with just five rebounds. He showed his strength in other ways though, muscling through Butler’s bigs for 13 points on 6/8 shooting from the field.

Indiana’s going to need that rebounding to compete on a nightly basis in the Big Ten.

Foul trouble was an issue

DeVries’ first roster had issues with foul trouble that seemed to be sourced from its lack of an imposing frontcourt presence. The rest of the roster had to overcompensate for the lack of physicality down low, so the fouls piled up.

You’d think that wouldn’t be the case with this group given Yigitoglu and Sherrell, but the fouls kept coming. Two Hoosiers, Markus Burton and Mustaf, finished with four fouls each with Burton picking up a technical. Two more, Bryce Lindsay and Sherrell, finished with three.

It’s worth noting for this game and the future. Perhaps this was just a weird night, so I wouldn’t put too much stock in it, but keep it in the back of your mind at the least.

Indiana can (still) shoot, probably

One of the bigger stories of the game was Indiana’s performance from beyond the 3-point line. The Hoosiers shot 13/33, or 39.4%, from long range as a team.

Darren Harris and Burton combined to lead the way from deep with three makes apiece, Harris doing so on eight attempts and Burton sinking each of his three. Again, it’s one game and trends haven’t formed, but we know for sure that Indiana will be looking for Harris to make shots this season based on what DeVries said at Big Ten Media Days.

Lindsay hit a pair of shots off the bounce and Manhertz saw two go down as well. Sherrell going 1/3 from long range feels about right.

It’s going to be a group effort from 3-point range for Indiana this season. Harris is the go-to guy, but multiple Hoosiers have the green light 1-4.