Key Takeaways
- The IU roster featuring former college stars defeated Collège Jean‑de‑Brébeuf 98‑64 in an exhibition at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
- First‑quarter play was tightly contested, but the Hoosiers pulled ahead in the second quarter and never looked back.
- Multiple transfers and walk‑ons saw meaningful minutes, highlighting depth and experimental lineups.
- The team is using the game as preparation for the upcoming FISU America Games in Peru, with a focus on building chemistry before departure.
Exhibition Match Overview
The Indiana University men’s basketball team opened its 2025‑26 season with a commanding 98‑64 victory over Canadian junior‑college opponent Collège Jean‑de‑Brébeuf on Wednesday night. The game, held in front of a modest but enthusiastic crowd of a few thousand at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, served as the first public showcase of a roster that was deliberately revamped for the upcoming campaign. Coach Darian DeVries fielded a starting five composed entirely of players who were not on the previous year’s roster, signaling a bold new direction for the program.
Roster Highlights and Lineup Changes
DeVries elected to start five newcomers: Markus Burton (formerly of Notre Dame), Bryce Lindsay (formerly of Villanova), Darren Harris (formerly of Duke), Aiden Sherrell (formerly of Alabama), and Samet Yigitoglu (formerly of SMU). Each of these athletes brings a distinct skill set, ranging from Burton’s scoring versatility to Lindsay’s three‑point shooting and Harris’s defensive intensity. The only notable absence was Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf, who sat out due to a lower‑body injury. The bench was stocked with additional transfers—Justin Monden (Maryland Eastern Shore), Ben Winker (Cal State Fullerton), and walk‑ons Drew Snively and Ian Stephens—providing depth and the opportunity for playing time before the team travels to Peru.
Early Game Dynamics and First Half Performance
The opening quarter saw Indiana trail early, with the opposition leading 23‑19. However, the Hoosiers quickly found their rhythm, and by the end of the first half they held a 46‑32 advantage. Sherrell paced the team with a first‑half high of 14 points, while Burton contributed nine. As a unit, Indiana shot 17‑of‑33 from the field (51 % shooting) and 5‑of‑18 from three‑point range, but they were efficient at the free‑throw line, making 7‑of‑10 attempts. By halftime, the scoreboard read 46‑32 in favor of the Hoosiers, establishing a comfortable cushion heading into the second half.
Second Half Surge and Scoring Burst
After a brief lull in the third quarter, Indiana erupted with a 21‑point swing, fueled by a series of timely baskets. Trent Sisley, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer in that period, tallied seven points and helped stretch the lead to 57‑36 midway through the quarter. A decisive play saw Sisley locate Harris on the left wing for a three‑pointer, pushing the margin to 66‑41. Although Canada closed the quarter with a three‑point basket to make it 69‑51, the Hoosiers responded immediately in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 72‑51 on another Harris three‑pointer and later to 74‑51 following a transition layup by Lindsay after a Canadian turnover. These bursts underscored Indiana’s ability to adjust and pull away decisively.
Bench Utilization and Player Contributions
With the game well in hand, Coach DeVries began emptying the bench, inserting walk‑on Ben Winker for the first time in a game setting. Winker, a transfer from Cal State Fullerton, may see increased minutes during the upcoming Peru leg while Yigitoglu remains unavailable. Additional bench players—Justin Monden, Drew Snively, and Ian Stephens—also logged valuable minutes, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate depth and maintain intensity without compromising the lead. The distribution of playing time highlighted a strategic approach to player development and endurance building heading into the international trip.
Strategic Adjustments by Coaching Staff
Throughout the contest, DeVries demonstrated flexibility in his tactical decisions. A pivotal timeout was called after Lindsay’s deep three‑pointer to halt a Canadian rally and preserve the growing lead. Subsequent rotations emphasized ball movement and defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that translated into fast‑break opportunities. The coaching staff’s willingness to experiment with lineups—particularly by integrating younger players and testing various defensive schemes—provides a glimpse into the adaptive mindset that will be essential for the upcoming FISU Games.
Preparation for International Competition
The exhibition serves as a crucial stepping stone as Indiana prepares for its participation in the FISU America Games in Lima, Peru. The team will depart Bloomington on Saturday morning, following two additional practice sessions to fine‑tune chemistry and address any lingering concerns. By using the Canada matchup to gauge performance under game‑like conditions, the Hoosiers aim to arrive in Peru with confidence, cohesion, and a clear understanding of their roles on the international stage.
Looking Ahead and Future Outlook
Looking beyond this single exhibition, the revamped IU roster presents a blend of veteran experience and fresh talent, all coalescing under second‑year head coach Darian DeVries. The positive offensive output, coupled with a deeper bench, suggests that the team is poised for a competitive season ahead. Continued integration of transfers, development of young players, and strategic management of minutes will be key factors in determining how effectively Indiana can translate its early‑season momentum into success within both domestic and international competitions. The upcoming Peru trip will offer an invaluable test of this emerging chemistry, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the program’s history.