BLOOMINGTON, Indiana — During the Hoosiers’ 96-81 win over Auburn at the Las Vegas Invitational Friday night, announcers said forward Mackenzie Holmes plans to stay in Indiana for an extra year. Holmes confirmed this in a post-game press conference.
Although she gave a brief reply, it was all the Hoosier Nation wanted to hear.
“That’s the plan at the moment,” Holmes said.
Mackenzie Holmes (54) of Indiana scores during the women’s basketball game between Indiana and Quinnipiac at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times/USA TODAY NETWORK
The Gorham, Maine native currently leads the Hoosiers on average 20 points per game while shooting 76.6 percent from the field and 68.8 percent from the charity streak.
At the Las Vegas Invitational last Friday and Saturday, Holmes was the team’s top scorer as she missed just three shots in two games over the weekend.
“I pride myself on being efficient and getting the ball, getting shots that are good for me, shots that I’ve practiced,” said Holmes.
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The plan to return for an extra COVID year, a gift for players whose season has been cut short due to the pandemic, could make up for some lost time.
Last season, Holmes missed eight games after injuring his left knee and undergoing surgery. Moren said in a press conference this season that she feels like Holmes is 100 percent herself again.
Mackenzie Holmes (54) of Indiana scores during the first half of the Indiana vs. UMass Lowell basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Friday, November 11, 2022.
© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times/USA TODAY NETWORK
Their full recovery and maintenance came at a good time when Holmes’ co-leader and teammate Grace Berger fell to the ground with a right knee injury in the Hoosiers’ win over Auburn in Las Vegas.
Berger had an MRI in Indiana on Sunday, but it hasn’t been confirmed if she will need surgery or be put off playing.
Whatever happens, Holmes said she knew she had to step into that leadership role, and the rest of the team stepped up as well.
Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes (54) claims it is Indiana’s ball during the Indiana vs. Quinnipiac basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
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- TERI MOREN TALKS ABOUT POOR VENUE SETUP IN LAS VEGAS The Las Vegas Invitational was a big “miss” for women’s basketball teams, said Indiana’s head coach Teri Moren. Poor venue facilities, match delays and a lack of media response made for a stressful weekend in Sin City. CLICK HERE
- GRACE BERGER INJURY UPDATE During the Las Vegas Invitational, senior guard Grace Berger suffered a right knee injury in the first game against Auburn. Indiana’s head coach Teri Moren updates her injury status and Sunday plans. A video of their press conference on Berger is attached. CLICK HERE
- GAME STORY: HOOSIERS DEFEAT MEMPHIS The Hoosiers defeated the Memphis Tigers 79-64 on Saturday to go undefeated in the Las Vegas Invitational. Senior striker Mackenzie Holmes led with 27 points but it wasn’t all spectacular as venue problems and an injury to Grace Berger hampered the weekend. CLICK HERE
- INJURY OF GRACE BERGER In the Hoosiers’ 96-81 win over Auburn on Friday night, senior guard Grace Berger went down in the first quarter and caught her right knee. CLICK HERE
