EVANSTON, Ill. — IU basketball is expected to get one of its top scorers back for Wednesday’s Big Ten game at Northwestern, the IndyStar has learned.
Malik Reneau is expected to be available for the Hoosiers (14-5, 5-3) for their 7 p.m. tip-off against the Wildcats (11-7, 2-5) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. IU coach Mike Woodson said Tuesday morning that Reneau was going to do a fitness test before the team’s flight later that day to determine if he’d be able to play. Woodson said Reneau had been more active recently and able to participate more.
Doyel:Not even Mike Woodson’s guardian angel can save him from changes IU basketball requires
Reneau missed the last five games after he suffered a knee injury in the first minute of IU’s win over Rutgers on Jan. 2. He was seen without crutches or walking assistance at Friday’s overtime win against Ohio State.
Oumar Ballo elevated his game with Reneau out. Over those six games, Ballo averaged 18.7 points and 12.7 rebounds with 10 blocks. He is the team’s leading scorer (14.5 ppg) and rebounder (10.3 rpg) and surpassed Reneau, who has added 14.1 points per game across his 14 starts.
‘Let’s change the script’:Hoosiers stood up, ‘represented Indiana basketball’ vs. Ohio State
The Hoosiers were 3-2 without Reneau, but the last three games were problematic. IU suffered its worst league loss in the Woodson era, 85-60, to Iowa. A return to Assembly Hall turned ugly as the Hoosiers trailed by as many as 30 in a 94-69 loss to Illinois. Fans chanted “Fire Mike Woodson” and were flooding the exits early. While IU won its game at Ohio State, it had a 10-point lead with 5 minutes, 12 seconds left. It evaporated as the Buckeyes went on a 13-3 run to force overtime.
Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
As Indiana gears up to face Northwestern tonight, many fans are wondering if star player Malik Reneau will be suiting up for the Hoosiers. Reneau has been dealing with a nagging injury, but there has been no official word on his status for tonight’s game.
Fans are hopeful that Reneau will be able to take the court and make a significant impact for Indiana. His presence on both ends of the floor is crucial for the Hoosiers, and his absence would be sorely felt.
Stay tuned for updates on Malik Reneau’s status for tonight’s game against Northwestern. Hoosier Nation is holding its breath in anticipation of seeing their star player in action.
Tags:
- Malik Reneau Indiana Northwestern game
- Malik Reneau basketball game
- Indiana vs Northwestern
- Indiana Hoosiers basketball
- Malik Reneau injury update
- Indiana basketball news
- Malik Reneau player status
- Indiana Northwestern game preview
- Malik Reneau playing status
- Indiana basketball lineup for tonight
#Malik #Reneau #play #tonight #Indiana #Northwestern
