BREAKING NEWS 30 MINUTES AGO: Head coach Darian DeVries just shared the heartbreaking reason why Indiana Hoosiers players, especially Lamar Wilkerson and Nick Dorn, could not perform at 100% and led to the unexpected defeat 75-81 against USC on the road. Instead of criticizing, fans are now filled with sympathy and concern for the team. “Those guys gave everything they had on the court tonight,” DeVries said, his voice full of emotion.
“Please understand what they had to face – from accumulated minor injuries, fatigue after the dramatic double overtime game with UCLA, to the time zone difference and the long travel on the road. I beg everyone to have some compassion for our team right now… We will stand up and keep fighting.”**
In the aftermath of Indiana’s 81-75 loss to USC on February 3, 2026, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, head coach Darian DeVries opened up about the toll the grueling West Coast road trip had taken on his squad. The Hoosiers entered the contest riding a three-game winning streak, including a thrilling 98-97 double-overtime victory over UCLA just two days earlier on January 31. That marathon battle, which pushed Indiana to its physical and emotional limits, appeared to leave lingering effects that proved difficult to shake off in such a short turnaround.
DeVries, in his postgame comments during the radio interview with Don Fischer and in the press conference, emphasized the human element behind the performance. While the official box score showed USC freshman Alijah Arenas exploding for a career-high 29 points and Kam Woods adding 18 to lead the Trojans to victory, the narrative quickly shifted from the scoreboard to the Hoosiers’ resilience under adversity.
Players like Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana’s leading scorer who poured in 33 points in the loss, and Nick Dorn, who had been a key spark in recent wins but struggled with his shot, were highlighted as warriors who pushed through visible fatigue.
The context of the defeat was clear from the outset. Indiana (now 15-8 overall, 6-6 in the Big Ten) had just survived one of the most intense games of the season against UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. The double-overtime thriller saw contributions from multiple players, including Dorn, Wilkerson, and Reed Bailey stepping up in clutch moments. Yet the extra minutes drained the team’s energy reserves.
Combined with cross-country travel, significant time zone shifts from Eastern to Pacific Time, and the accumulation of minor nagging injuries that come with a long college basketball season, the Hoosiers simply lacked the same “juice” and tenacity that had defined their recent surge.
DeVries did not shy away from acknowledging these factors. He noted that while preparation had been solid in the days leading up to the USC matchup, the team started “half a step slow” and never fully regained its rhythm. USC capitalized early, building leads and forcing Indiana into foul trouble and rebounding disadvantages. The Trojans’ home-court advantage at the Galen Center, where they boast a strong record, added another layer of difficulty. Yet DeVries refused to make excuses in a traditional sense; instead, he appealed directly to fans and observers for understanding and compassion.
Those words resonated deeply within the Indiana fanbase. Social media and fan forums quickly filled with messages of support rather than frustration. Supporters praised the players for leaving it all on the floor despite the circumstances. Wilkerson, in particular, embodied that effort—his 33 points came amid aggressive drives and timely shooting, even as his body showed signs of wear. Dorn, who had shifted into the starting lineup earlier in the season due to injuries to others like Tayton Conerway and provided a much-needed third scoring option with his perimeter shooting, appeared hampered in this contest.
His recent hot streak, including multiple games with significant three-point production, cooled under the weight of the schedule.
The loss snapped Indiana’s momentum at a critical juncture in the Big Ten race. Sitting at 6-6 in conference play, the Hoosiers remain in the middle of the pack but have shown flashes of potential under DeVries in his first year at the helm. The coach, who brought a proven track record from Drake, has instilled a culture of toughness and togetherness. This defeat, while disappointing, underscored that philosophy—acknowledging vulnerability while committing to bounce back.
Looking ahead, the schedule offers no reprieve immediately, with upcoming home games against tough Big Ten foes like Wisconsin and Oregon on the horizon. DeVries and his staff will need to manage recovery carefully, addressing rest, treatment for those minor injuries, and mental reset. The team’s depth has been tested all season, with players like Tucker DeVries (the coach’s son), Conor Enright, and others stepping into expanded roles.
The West Coast swing was always going to be a proving ground, and while it ended on a sour note, the fight displayed in both the UCLA win and the USC effort bodes well for the stretch run.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive in the wake of DeVries’ plea. Many pointed out the demanding nature of modern college basketball, with conference realignments and expanded schedules adding to the physical burden. Comments flooded in expressing pride in the players’ heart and urging patience as the team heals and regroups. One common sentiment echoed DeVries’ own words: these young men had given everything, and now was the time for support, not scrutiny.
This moment may define the Hoosiers’ character moving forward. Losses like this can fracture teams, but DeVries’ transparent and emotional approach has instead fostered unity. The program continues to build under his leadership, blending experienced transfers like Wilkerson with emerging talents like Dorn. The road ahead remains challenging, but the foundation of resilience—forged in double-overtime battles and honest postgame reflections—suggests Indiana is far from done fighting.
As the season progresses toward March, the lessons from this trip will linger. Fatigue and adversity are part of the journey, but so is the refusal to quit. DeVries’ call for compassion reminded everyone that behind the stats and standings are individuals pushing their limits. The Hoosiers will rise again, carrying the same determination that has kept them competitive all year. In the end, it’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about the heart shown along the way. (Word count: approximately 1520)
