Indiana basketball defeated Eastern Illinois by a score of 91-57 Monday night. There are obviously caveats with the level of competition they faced, but here are a few takeaways from the performance.

Defense

The defense was outstanding for the majority of the game. Aside from some miscommunication that was bound to happen in the first live action, they played really well. Eastern Illinois committed 20 turnovers. The length from all five positions was clearly on display, and they were useful in their disruption. One of the struggles from a season ago was the lack of turnovers forced. This was a full reversal of that trend.

Markus Burton

Burton was 7-8 for 19 points, as well as contributing 5 assists. He looked smooth handling the ball and running the offense, which was a great sign of things to come. If he can limit his fouling, (he had 4 of the team’s 11), he is going to be an All-Big Ten performer this year.

Samet Yigitoglu

Indiana’s newest center was a force to be reckoned with from the tip. Yigitoglu was impactful on both ends of the court, and did not slow the team down on fast break opportunities. He played just 18 minutes, and was one of the stars of the game.

Minutes

The spread of minutes was pretty even across the board, and this is a benefit to Indiana. For one, it allows the bench guys to get comfortable in their roles and develop the young freshman. Second, it gives the starters some extra rest. While they may not be tired after one game, minimizing the strain on the starters’ bodies early in the year benefits them in February and March.

There are not many bad things to say after a 34 point home victory. Next up, the Hoosiers play Thursday night against Bellarmine, which will be their final tune up before taking on Syracuse next Monday.