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What to Expect: Indiana at Nebraska

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What to Expect: Indiana at Nebraska


Indiana’s first road game tips off Friday night in Lincoln against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Huskers are 6-2 and are coming off an 89-52 loss at Michigan State.

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Friday’s game is an 8 p.m. ET tip on FOX:

Indiana’s struggles against last season are well documented. The Hoosiers lost three times to the Huskers and none of the games were competitive. Nebraska won 86-70 in Lincoln on January 3, 85-70 in Bloomington on February 21 and 93-66 at the Big Ten tournament on March 16. That’s an average margin of 18.

Both teams underwent roster makeovers in the offseason. Still, Fred Hoiberg’s ability to spread Indiana out and score an average of 88 points in three easy wins was a major reason the Hoosiers didn’t sniff the NCAA tournament a season ago.

The Hoosiers have won four straight games (all by 15 or more points), but a win Friday would be a surefire signal the Hoosiers are trending in the right direction after a shaky performance last month in the Bahamas.

MEET THE HUSKERS

After reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time under Hoiberg last March, the Huskers are in a transition period in his sixth season. Keisei Tominaga graduated, Rienk Mast is out for the season with a knee injury and the offense has taken a significant step back statistically.

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According to KenPom.com, Nebraska had the nation’s 32nd-best offense last season but is currently ranked 99th this season after eight games.

Three Huskers are averaging double figures – seniors Brice Williams, Juwan Gary and junior Connor Essegian.

This wing-heavy offensive attack presents problems for an Indiana rotation featuring a frontcourt that doesn’t guard well away from the paint (Oumar Ballo and Malik Reneau) and struggles to guard movement and execute switches (Mackenzie Mgbako).

Williams is a 6-foot-7 fifth-year wing who is excellent at getting to the line and converts at an elite rate. He leads the Huskers with 17.5 points per game and shoots 92.5 percent (53 attempts) from the line. He’s also a capable 3-point shooter and has connected on 11 of his 29 attempts from deep.

The 6-foot-6 Gary, another fifth-year player, is an undersized four averaging 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. Gary is just 7-for-27 on 3s (25.9 percent).

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Essegian, an Indiana native, was one of the Big Ten’s best freshmen two seasons ago at Wisconsin. After falling out of the regular rotation in Madison last season, Essegian entered the transfer portal and landed in Lincoln where he’s returned to form in his third season. Essegian is Nebraska’s second-leading scorer at 13 points per game. He’s made a team-high 20 3-pointers and is shooting 42.6 percent from the perimeter.

Utah transfer Rollie Worster has taken over the starting point guard spot for the Huskers. Another fifth-year player, the 6-foot-5 Worster is averaging a team-high 2.6 assists and is second on the team with 1.5 steals per game.

Ahron Ulis, who sat out last season following a gambling probe and Sam Hoiberg provide most of the backup minutes in the backcourt. The 6-foot-3 Ulis is just 2-for-13 on 3s and is shooting 33 percent from the field. Hoiberg is an energy player who is fearless in attacking offensively and is a major pest defensively. His 1.8 steals per game lead the Huskers.

On the wing, Rutgers transfer Gavin Griffiths hasn’t made a 3-pointer since Nov. 13 and is 3-for-19 from distance on the season. The 6-foot-7 sophomore was considered one of the best shooters in the country coming out of high school.

With Mast sitting out this season, Hoiberg has pieced together a frontcourt that includes three transfers: Braxton Meah, Andrew Morgan and Berke Buyuktuncel.

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Meah, who previously played at Fresno State and Washington, provides the Huskers with legitimate size in the post at 7-foot-1 and 264 pounds. He’s averaging 3.7 points and four rebounds in 15 minutes per game.

Morgan is a 6-foot-10, 245-pound arrival from North Dakota State who is the team’s second-leading rebounder. Morgan pulls down 5.3 rebounds in 17 minutes per game off the bench while averaging 8.4 points on 45 percent shooting.

Buyuktuncel transferred from UCLA and started the first six games for Nebraska. He’s the leading rebounder at 5.9 per game, is making 75 percent of his 2s and has a team-best six blocked shots.

TEMPO-FREE PREVIEW

Both teams are playing with pace, with Nebraska ranking 88th in adjusted tempo, per KenPom.com and Indiana at 39th.

The Huskers, however, are handling the ball much better than the Hoosiers and forcing more turnovers. Through 10 games, Indiana has committed 140 turnovers and forced just 121, while Nebraska has committed 90 and forced 130.

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The free-throw line will also be key for both programs. The Huskers excel at drawing fouls and then converting at the line. Nebraska’s free-throw percentage of 76.6 ranks 51st in the country and 30th in free-throw rate (FTA/FGA).

While 3-point shooting was Nebraska’s primary strength offensively last season, that isn’t the case this season. The Huskers are taking fewer 3s – their 3PA/FGA is 38.2 percent this season versus 44.3 percent last season. Nebraska shot 35.7 percent from deep last season and is just 29.8 percent this season from deep.

WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO

The KenPom projection is Nebraska by one, with a 47 percent chance of an IU victory. Bart Torvik’s ratings favor the Huskers by two, with a 43 percent chance of a Hoosier victory.

Indiana played one of its best games this season against Minnesota on Monday but still struggled for stretches in the second half.

The Hoosiers will have to take care of the ball and limit Nebraska’s free throw attempts to prevail in what should be a hostile environment in Lincoln. Nebraska has one of the better home-court advantages in the league and has dominated Indiana recently.

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The Huskers will also be looking to rebound from an embarrassing 37-point beatdown in East Lansing and avoid an 0-2 start in Big Ten play. For Indiana, the road trip marks an opportunity to grab a fifth-straight win and establish clear momentum heading into the two final non-conference games in Bloomington later this month.

Filed to: Nebraska Cornhuskers



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Former Indiana basketball players say team doctor sexually abused them with unnecessary prostate exams

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Former Indiana basketball players say team doctor sexually abused them with unnecessary prostate exams


Three former members of the Indiana men’s basketball team have accused former team doctor Bradford Bomba Sr., 88, of sexually abusing them during their playing days.

Haris Mujezinovic and Charlie Miller originally filed a lawsuit against Bomba in October, and John Flowers joined the suit this week.

Flowers, who played for the Hoosiers in 1981 and 1982, said he was subject to at least two unnecessary prostate exams.

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A University of Indiana Hoosiers flag at Memorial Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/USA Today Sports)

Longtime trainer Tim Garl is now listed as a defendant, as Flowers said Garl was aware of Bomba’s “invasive, harassing, and demeaning digital rectal examinations.”

“After his first physical, Flowers’s teammates told him he had ‘passed’ Dr. Bomba, Sr.’s ‘test,’ and that he would not have to undergo a digital rectal examination again,” the lawsuit states, via CBS Sports. “Garl laughed at Flowers and his freshman teammates and made jokes at their expense regarding the digital rectal examinations they endured.”

The university officially declined comment but sent a statement from September that said the school was conducting its own independent review on the matter.

The players’ attorney, Kathleen Delaney, said Bomba may have sexually abused at least 100 male athletes during his time at the school. Neither Garl nor Bomba’s attorney responded to a request for comment.

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Bomba pleaded the fifth during a deposition last month.

Mujezinovic and Miller, who played under coach Bobby Knight in the 1990s, also alleged that Bomba conducted prostate exams that were not necessary.

Indiana basketball

The IU logo on a basketball during a Hoosiers game against the Michigan State Spartans Jan. 22, 2023, at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

2025 MEN’S MARCH MADNESS ODDS: DUKE BECOMES LONE FAVORITE

“Dr. Bomba, Sr.’s routine sexual assaults were openly discussed by the Hoosier men’s basketball players in the locker room in the presence of IU employees, including assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and other Hoosier men’s basketball staff,” the lawsuit said, via NBC News.

“I’m standing up for all student-athletes who have suffered abuse,” Mujezinovic said in a statement. “I hope that more of our former teammates will speak out and share their stories publicly.”

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“I will never understand why IU leadership did nothing to protect us from what I now understand was sexual abuse,” Miller said.

Added Flowers, “I am proud to stand up on behalf of my former teammates and other IU basketball players to seek justice for the sexual abuse we endured as members of the Hoosiers.”

Indiana logo on shorts

The Indiana Hoosiers logo during the Empire Classic game Nov. 19, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Bomba was employed by the university from 1962 to 1970, and again from 1979 until the late ’90s.

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Top 5 Indiana Fever Potential WNBA Free Agency Targets

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Top 5 Indiana Fever Potential WNBA Free Agency Targets


January 21 marks the day when WNBA teams and unrestricted free agents can begin to negotiate new contracts. February 1 is when these players can actually sign new deals with new teams.

Therefore, these next few weeks are about to get hectic in the women’s basketball world. And with the Indiana Fever’s impressive success and popularity increase last season, there’s a ton of attention on the offseason moves they’ll make.

But which available players are the best fits for Indiana? Who can propel them to being WNBA title contenders? In our opinion, it’s the five players (listed in order) below.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) rushes up the court during a July 12, 2024 game.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) rushes up the court against Phoenix Mercury Celeste Taylor (12) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

This one should come as no surprise. The Indiana Fever’s front office has made it clear that re-signing Mitchell (who has been with the team since 2018) is their top priority this offseason.

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And for good reason. Mitchell and Caitlin Clark were arguably the WNBA’s best backcourt duo for the second half of the season and they appear to complement each other perfectly. Since Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent, the Fever are almost guaranteed to give her a core designation (barring a separate agreement between the parties). Thus, Mitchell would have to make it abundantly clear that she wants out of Indiana if they were to trade her.

Frankly, we don’t see that happening. We expect Indiana to get Mitchell re-signed early, which will then allow them to pursue one of the next four players on our list.

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles downcourt during a September 24, 2023 game.

Sep 24, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles downcourt during the first half of game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally made it overtly clear last week that she has played her final game with the franchise that drafted her with the No. 2 pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft.

The Fever’s most pressing need is a wing player who has length, is a good defender, and can score in multiple ways. Sabally checks all of those boxes and then some. Out of any available players, there’s arguably no better fit for the Fever (aside from Mitchell) than Sabally. We expect them to pursue her aggressively this offseason and seem to have a good shot at securing her. It would almost certainly have to happen via trade however, as the Wings have cored Sabally.

Connecticut Sun guard DeWanna Bonner (24) defended by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) on September 25, 2024.

Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard DeWanna Bonner (24) defended by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the second half during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Everything we said about the Fever’s needs at the wing position in the Satou Sabally section also applies to DeWanna Bonner. Her impending free agency has gone relatively under the radar, but her skill set is a solid fit for the Fever on paper.

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The only clear downside is that she’s 37 years old, and likely only has a couple of seasons left. However, she might see Indiana as the perfect place to make one last run at a third WNBA championship. There’s also a connection with Fever coach Stephanie White, who likely could have insight into the desires of the Connecticut Sun’s numerous free agents.

Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) reacts during a May 3, 2024 game.

May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Fever at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Another underrated wing on the WNBA free agency radar is Dallas Wings standout Natasha Howard. One downside to Howard’s game is that she isn’t a great three-point shooter. But she is a lockdown defender and can score in enough ways to take the scoring load off of Clark and company when the need to do so arises. The Fever lacked on the defensive side of the ball a season ago and Howard could help alleviate that issue.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball during a June 4, 2023 game.

Jun 4, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball while Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler (17) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Plum coming to Indiana might be a longshot, and there’s virtually a zero percent chance the Fever would pursue her if they re-signed Kelsey Mitchell. But if Mitchell ends up elsewhere, they could do much worse than bringing Plum on board.

Plum’s versatile scoring ability would surely be enhanced when she’s receiving passes from Caitlin Clark. Given that she’s one of the league’s biggest superstars, her profile would be heightened even more so playing alongside Clark.

If Plum does indeed want out of the Las Vegas Aces (which would be via sign-and-trade given her core designation), the Fever could very well come calling as a contingency plan.

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Some believe that an excellent offseason for the Fever could turn them into 2025 WNBA Championship contenders. But what does an “excellent” offseason look like? We’d argue that it means signing two of these players, with one of them ideally being Kelsey Mitchell and the other being one of the three wings mentioned.

What’s for sure is that the decisions Indiana’s front office makes in the next month or so will be crucial for their future success.



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Indiana takes road win streak into matchup with Detroit

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Indiana takes road win streak into matchup with Detroit


Associated Press

Indiana Pacers (22-19, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (21-19, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

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BOTTOM LINE: Indiana visits Detroit looking to extend its four-game road winning streak.

The Pistons are 15-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 33.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Jalen Duren averaging 6.2.

The Pacers are 4-4 against Central Division teams. Indiana is 11-11 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Pistons are shooting 46.9% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points lower than the 47.3% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers are shooting 48.9% from the field, 2.0% higher than the 46.9% the Pistons’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tobias Harris is averaging 13.3 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Pistons.

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Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 18.1 points and 8.8 assists for the Pacers.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 113.9 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points per game.

Pacers: 7-3, averaging 116.9 points, 44.1 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.7 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: Jaden Ivey: out (leg).

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton: day to day (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith: out (ankle), Isaiah Jackson: out for season (calf), James Wiseman: out for season (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.




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