Mike Woodson accomplished a lot playing for Indiana under Bob Knight. But after leading his Hoosiers to a huge road win over arch-rival Purdue, Woodson was filled with pride.
Woodson and the Indiana Hoosiers upset Purdue at Mackey Arena today 79-71, running away with the game in the second half as Jalen Hood-Schifino scored 35 points. After the game, Woodson said that he was delighted to get a win over the Boilermakers at Mackey Arena after failing to do so as a player.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever won here in Mackey. Four years in college, I never won here,” Woodson said, via Zach Osterman.
The win lifts Indiana to 20-9 on the season – their highest win total in the regular season since the 2015-16 campaign. It also marked their first win over Purdue in West Lafayette since 2013.
IU basketball fans are sharing in Woodson’s delight in finally getting past their in-state arch-rivals.
Mike Woodson: “That’s the first time I’ve ever won here in Mackey. Four years in college, I never won here.” #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) February 26, 2023
“This W feels different, feels like we are back to IU fundamentals which we haven’t seen in years,” one user replied.
“He’s truly turned our program around after the Archie Miller disaster. We swept Purdue. Regardless of what happens the rest of the year, that’s big for recruiting,” wrote another.
“Mike Woodson should walk into every recruits house and show them Jalen Hood Schfino film. He has grown so much in his one season as a Hoosier. Mike Woodson is that dude!! He clearly knows how to coach and develop young players,” a third wrote.
The Big Ten regular season title still appears to be out of their grasp. But after winning 10 of their last 13 games, they’re heading into March with a ton of much-needed momentum.
And if they can make something from that momentum, reclaiming the long-lost mantle of an NCAA blue blood could be within their grasp.