The Assembly Call IU Basketball Podcast and Postgame Show · Jerod Morris

[1092] IU-Incarnate Word Postgame Show

November 17, 2025·1 hr 30 min·5 clips

IU's 19-point lead evaporated as Incarnate Word mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes.

This episode analyzes Indiana's 68-61 home victory over Incarnate Word, moving the Hoosiers to 4-0 under new coach Darren DeVries. Host Brian Tonsoni and analyst Bob Motes, both experienced coaches, dissect a closer-than-expected win where IU's shooting struggled. They frame the game as a learning opportunity for a team reliant on perimeter scoring. The hosts highlight IU's defensive effort, which held Incarnate Word to 0.953 points per possession and 38% three-point shooting in the first half. Motes notes the opponent employed multiple defenses, including man, a 1-3-1 zone, and a 3-2 zone, disrupting IU's pace in a 60-possession game. Indiana's 17-2 run in the first half built a 35-19 halftime lead, fueled by strong defense and rebounding from Trent Sisley, who grabbed five rebounds in five minutes. The offense successfully attacked the middle of the 1-3-1 zone using guards Connor Enright and Myles Connerway as playmakers. IU's lead expanded to 19 points with about 10 minutes remaining before a significant Incarnate Word rally. A pivotal moment was a four-point play against Sisley, cutting IU's lead to 12 and shifting momentum. The hosts credit Incarnate Word's coach for a smart game plan and his players for hitting tough shots during their comeback. Tonsoni points to a key sequence where DeVries called a timeout, drew up a back-cut play for Lamar Wilkerson for a layup, and later saw Tucker DeVries hit a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead back to 10. Motes observes the IU bench actively trying to manufacture energy and focus during the tense final minutes. The hosts conclude that for about 30 minutes, IU played acceptable basketball despite poor shooting, but lost intensity and defensive focus in the last 8-10 minutes. An interesting insight is that IU's offensive scheme created good looks, but the team simply had an off shooting night from players like DeVries and Wilkerson, who entered shooting 50% from three. Motes explains that having legitimate perimeter threats creates interior space, allowing for easy baskets against zones, which wasn't always possible for IU in prior seasons. The hosts emphasize that good teams must find ways to win when shots aren't falling, primarily through defense. They note that freshman Trent Sisley's energetic rebounding provided a significant spark off the bench. Motes uses a "Rocky" movie analogy to describe the moment IU realized their opponent wasn't going away easily despite a large lead. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending play-by-play recap with strategic coaching perspective. The style is educational, breaking down specific plays, defensive adjustments, and rotational decisions to explain the game's flow. This episode is ideal for dedicated Indiana basketball fans seeking a detailed, tactical breakdown of a sloppy win. Listeners who prefer highlight-focused content or discussions of blowout victories might find the granular analysis of a struggling performance less engaging.

As heard by us

A grindy 68-61 win becomes a lesson in late-game response and execution.

Indiana's 68-61 win over Incarnate Word gives Brian Tonsoni and Bob Motes a clean postgame problem to pick apart: a grind, a late swing, and a chance to explain why it is easier to learn from the winning side of an ugly night.

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Why you'd press play

You want the real story behind Indiana's 68-61 win over Incarnate Word, not just the scoreline.

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