Coach Mike Woodson Reflects on Narrow Victory Over Ohio State
In what can only be described as a nail-biting finish, Indiana managed to edge out Ohio State 77-76 in a thrilling game on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after the match, Coach Mike Woodson admitted the victory was more about luck than dominance.
“It was a lucky win,” Woodson said candidly. “Ohio State played their hearts out, and honestly, they could have easily walked away with the W. But sometimes, the ball just bounces your way.”
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Indiana struggled to find its rhythm early, falling behind by double digits in the first half. However, a spirited second-half effort, spearheaded by key performances from star players, brought the Hoosiers back into contention.
Despite their comeback, the Hoosiers found themselves trailing by one point with less than 10 seconds on the clock. A well-executed play gave Indiana the opportunity they needed, as a last-second shot sealed the win. “We drew it up, and our guys executed,” Woodson noted. “But let’s be real—those kinds of shots don’t always go in. Tonight, it did.”
Woodson also praised Ohio State for their effort and resilience, highlighting the challenge they posed. “They’re a well-coached team, and they made us work for everything. This wasn’t our best performance, and they exposed some areas we need to improve on.”
For Indiana, the victory marked an important step as they continue their push for a strong season. However, Woodson emphasized the need for growth. “We’ve got to be better. Games like this are a wake-up call. If we don’t tighten up on defense and improve our consistency, we won’t always come out on top in close situations.”
With the win, Indiana improves their record but also faces the reality of areas needing improvement. For Coach Woodson and the Hoosiers, the focus now shifts to building on this fortunate victory and preparing for the challenges ahead.
