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Indiana Sports Roundup: Surprises, Setbacks, and Big Decisions Ahead

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Heartland Scoop
January 24, 2025

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From Rick Carlisle’s thrill-seeking police escorts in Paris to Purdue gearing up for a Big Ten clash with Michigan, Indiana sports have plenty to keep fans buzzing. The Pacers hit a snag in Paris, the Hoosiers are searching for answers, and the Colts are making moves to rebuild their defense. Buckle up—there’s a lot to unpack.

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Indiana Pacers

Rick Carlisle Thought Pacers' Paris Police Escort Was Better Than Notre Dame

While in Paris for back-to-back games against the Spurs, Rick Carlisle was most dazzled not by the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées but by thrilling police-escorted bus rides. "It's the most exhilarating thing," he joked. The Pacers hope to match that energy on the court in Saturday’s rematch​.

Pacers Confident Recent Success is Sustainable, Not Expected to Make Blockbuster Trade

Winners of 8 of their last 10 games, the surging Pacers might skip major trade moves before the deadline. While linked to Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson, his steep price tag—two first-round picks—has Indiana considering patience over a shakeup.

While the Pacers are playing in Paris, their radio broadcast team is in Indianapolis, calling the game remotely.

Upcoming

  • Saturday, 1/25: Paris vs. Spurs

Indiana University

European 6-foot-7 wing Harun Zrno, who has visited Indiana, set to make his college decision

Bosnian 6'7" wing Harun Zrno, known for his sharpshooting and versatile play, will reveal his college choice Friday. Averaging 20 points and shooting 48% from three, Zrno visited Indiana, Wisconsin, Creighton, and Virginia.

Five takeaways from Indiana’s loss at Northwestern

Indiana’s defensive struggles and turnovers proved costly in a 79-70 loss to Northwestern. Despite a six-point halftime lead, the Hoosiers allowed 54 second-half points and committed 17 turnovers overall. Now 14-6, Indiana’s cohesion remains a concern as the season winds down.

We've Seen This Before: Assessing the Current State of Indiana Basketball

Hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth analyze the current situation regarding Indiana basketball and the noise around head coach Mike Woodson. What can history teach us about how these situations play out?

Upcoming

  • Sunday, 1/26: Home vs. Maryland

Purdue

GoldandBlack.com video: Purdue coach Matt Painter discusses Michigan, scheduling and more

Purdue’s sixth game in 16 days Friday night is a big one, as the Boilermakers host fellow Big Ten contender Michigan and its towering front line.

See what Matt Painter and Purdue’s big men had to say about the Wolverines here in these GoldandBlack.com videos.

For Purdue, what changed?

Despite a 13-point halftime lead, Purdue’s defense faltered, leading to a 73-70 upset by Ohio State. Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Boilers, but Micah Parrish’s clutch threes and the Buckeyes’ strong second-half poise snapped Purdue’s seven-game win streak. Michigan looms next.

Upcoming

  • Friday, 1/24: Home vs. #21 Michigan

  • Friday, 1/31: Home vs. Indiana

Indianapolis Colts

Key takeaways from new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s introductory press conference

New Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo promises an aggressive and accountable defense. Known for working with top pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson, he’s eager to develop Indy’s talent and end the team’s struggles in defensive consistency​.

Why Did Lou Anarumo Take Colts Defensive Coordinator Job?

New Colts DC Lou Anarumo promises a "smart, fast, physical" unit while focusing on adaptability to challenge AFC's elite quarterbacks. Drawing from his Bengals success, he aims to fix Indy’s tackling woes and foster accountability, with hopes of a quicker turnaround than his Cincinnati rebuild.

Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame football loses three to the transfer portal, including young O-lineman Sam Pendleton

The Irish are saying goodbye to offensive lineman Sam Pendleton and wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie. Pendleton, a redshirt freshman, started seven games at left guard before moving to a backup role. Thomas, a reliable red-zone target with 838 career receiving yards, battled injuries this season, while Colzie’s career highlight came in 2022, averaging 21.3 yards per catch.

Notre Dame's Al Golden returns to Bengals as DC

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is rejoining the Bengals in the same role. Golden, who helped lead the Irish to a national title game, previously coached Cincinnati's linebackers during their 2021 Super Bowl run. He’ll aim to revitalize a defense seeking a playoff return.

Butler

Butler Pushes No. 19 UConn to the Edge, Falls in Overtime

No. 19/18 UConn edged Butler 80-78 in overtime at the XL Center, improving to 14-5 on the season. Jahmyl Telfort’s 25 points kept Butler in it, but UConn’s Solo Ball led with 23 points, including key late baskets. Despite two final three-point attempts by Butler, UConn held on, maintaining their perfect 11-0 record against the Bulldogs.

Upcoming

  • Saturday, 1/25: Home vs. Depaul

  • Tuesday, 1/28: Home vs. Marquette

As the stories unfold, we’ll be here to bring you all the highlights, insights, and must-know updates from your favorite writers and creators. Stay tuned, and we’ll see you next time!

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