Yigitoglu’s 9-for-10 Night Powers Indiana Over Tennessee Tech

Indiana fans saw a new standard for size and efficiency on the floor Thursday night as the Hoosiers dismantled Tennessee Tech 90-66 in Bloomington. Samet Yigitoglu, the program's tallest player since the mid-1980s, led the effort with 18 points and six rebounds. His 9-for-10 shooting performance in just 17 minutes signaled a shift in the team's offensive dynamics, particularly with the ball in the post.

The roster change came via a junior transfer from SMU. Yigitoglu stands at 7-foot-2, a height not seen on the Indiana roster since Uwe Blab played four seasons there from 1981 to 1985. This arrival coincides with a period of dominance for the Hoosiers, who are now 4-0 on the season and have won all six meetings against Tennessee Tech. Their most recent victory in this series was an 89-59 blowout in November 2020.

Tennessee Tech kept the contest competitive for roughly 12 minutes, holding a slim one-point lead early in the first half. That was the Golden Eagles' only lead of the night. Caleb Sanders anchored the visitors with 16 points and seven rebounds before fouling out near the end. Mekhi Turner added 10 points, but the team's depth could not match Indiana's rotation.

The Hoosiers' bench contributed 34 points, with seven reserves playing time. Markus Burton provided a floor general's performance with 12 points and seven assists. Jaeden Mustaf and Aiden Sherrell each scored 11 points, while Bryce Lindsay added 15. The depth allowed the starters to rest, a factor that likely preserved energy for the upcoming schedule.

Indiana heads to Fayetteville next to face No. 19 Arkansas on Tuesday. Tennessee Tech will host Wright State-Lake, a United States Collegiate Athletic Association member, on Sunday. The Golden Eagles enter that game with a 2-2 record, seeking a rebound after their second loss of the season.