In a quarterfinal matchup of the Big Ten tournament, the Indiana Hoosiers faced off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, hoping to extend their season. However, it was a game that quickly turned into a one-sided affair, as Nebraska dominated from start to finish, defeating Indiana 93-66 and effectively ending their 2023-2024 campaign.

Indiana entered the game with a glimmer of hope after their hard-fought victory against Penn State in the previous round. Anthony Leal's game-winning tip-in had ignited some optimism, but it was short-lived as Nebraska showcased their superiority.

The first half started with competitive back-and-forth action, featuring multiple lead changes. However, with 10:08 remaining in the half, Nebraska took a 19-17 lead and never relinquished control. They seized the opportunity to devastate Indiana, going on a blistering 17-0 run to end the half, leaving the Hoosiers trailing by 23 points.

Keisei Tominaga and Brice Williams spearheaded Nebraska's offensive onslaught, combining for an impressive 32 points in the first half. Tominaga's last-second three-pointer before halftime further demoralized the Hoosiers.

The second half saw Indiana struggling to mount a comeback, as they found no answer for Nebraska's offensive prowess. Moreover, Fred Hoiberg's well-executed defensive strategy effectively neutralized Indiana's usual strength in post-play, limiting the impact of Malik Reneau and Kel'el Ware. Ware finished the game with just eight points on 3-10 shooting, while Reneau fouled out with 9:07 remaining, having contributed nine points.

Post-game, Indiana Head Coach Mike Woodson pointed to poor execution and questionable decision-making as contributing factors to their defeat. Indiana's lack of versatility, poor guard play, unnecessary fouls, and failure to adapt to the modern style of basketball were all evident during their loss to Nebraska.

The loss marked Indiana's 14th of the season, with five of those losses coming by 20 or more points. It highlighted the issues plaguing the team throughout the year, raising uncertainty and emphasizing the need for change heading into the offseason.

With zero recruits secured for the upcoming 2024 class, Indiana must navigate the transfer portal to fill potential roster gaps. While Trey Galloway and Anthony Leal are confirmed to return, the rest of the roster remains uncertain, adding to the challenging task of rebuilding the team.

Woodson acknowledged the need for a thorough evaluation and diligent recruitment process, ensuring that Indiana is prepared for the swiftly approaching offseason. The goal is to avoid a similar fate next year and return to the NCAA tournament.

With a 19-14 record and no NCAA tournament bid, Indiana must confront the reality of their current situation. It is evident that changes are necessary to keep the program competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball. The offseason will be crucial for Woodson and the rest of the Hoosiers as they strive to resurrect their program and avoid another disappointing season.

In the meantime, Indiana fans, players, and the coaching staff are left to ponder the missed opportunities and reflect on what needs to be done to return to tournament contention.