Mike Woodson shows he trusts one IU freshman, but not another quite yet.

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana has won two tight games to begin the season, and it’s closed with the same lineup in both games. But that lineup is not the starting unit Mike Woodson trots onto the court.

Xavier Johnson, Trey Galloway, Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau and Kel’el Ware have been the starters in IU’s two regular-season games and two exhibitions. But when games against Florida Gulf Coast and Army were on the line, Gabe Cupps played while Mgbako sat on the sideline.

Woodson saw a three-guard lineup turn the tide vs. FGCU on Tuesday. While the lineup with Cupps inserted for Mgbako wasn’t as convincing on Sunday, it gave the Hoosiers enough of a push to get a 72-64 win over Army.

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Cupps wasn’t expected to play a role this large, this early. The freshman point guard has played 22 and 19 minutes against Army and Florida Gulf Coast, respectively. Cupps committed to Indiana as a four-star recruit who was outside of the top 100 2023 players in most databases.

With Mgbako, IU expected much more to start the year. Mgbako was a five-star, McDonald’s All American prospect coming in. Way-too-early NBA mock drafts projected Mgbako as a one-and-done prospect to go in the lottery.

Through two games, Mgbako has played only nine second-half minutes. Woodson began both second halves with his starting unit, but Mgabko was subbed out at the under-16-minute timeout without seeing further action in both outings. He only scored two points against Army and four against FGCU.

“He has to play harder and do the things that we want done on both ends of the floor,” Woodson said Sunday. “That might keep him in the game.”

For the second game in a row, Woodson called out the lack of two-way production from Mgbako, CJ Gunn and Kaleb Banks. Those three wing-sized players combined to score five points in 39 minutes against the Black Knights.

The disappointing play from IU’s wings has opened the door for Cupps. Cupps’ play doesn’t jump off the stat sheet — scoring just five points in each of IU’s games. But at the very least, the Dayton, Ohio native is working his tail off and grasping Woodson’s vision of the team on both ends.

“I'm going to play guys that want to play and play the right way,” Woodson said. “The last two games, that small lineup coming down the stretch was pretty good for us.”

Turn on an IU game and you’ll see Cupps pressuring ball-handlers, deflecting passes and setting up the offense. Cupps made a critical corner 3-pointer in front of IU’s bench to give the Hoosiers a six-point lead with 2:13 left on Sunday.

Cupps — who is the shortest and lightest scholarship player Indiana has — was supposed to need time to adjust to this level of play. Mgbako — who has a pro-ready 6-8, 217-pound frame — was supposed to light up the scoreboard instantly. So far, Cupps has been more comfortable against college players.

While Cupps' unexpected performance has helped, it may not be sustainable. Indiana probably won’t get away with its small closing lineups against teams that play legitimate wings that neither Army nor FGCU have. At some point, the Hoosiers will need Mgbako to make important shots and play solid defense against other talented wings.

“I don't know if we'll live with (the three-guard lineup) the rest of the season, but if they keep making plays down the stretch, I think it will be okay for us,” Woodson said.

Indiana (2-0) barely escaped Army (0-3) on Sunday. The Hoosiers needed Cupps’ level-headed play down the stretch during both of their wins. Playing Cupps in crunch time may not always be tenable for IU, but Woodson has found a sixth man he trusts.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Mike Woodson putting faith in Gabe Cupps, not Mackenzie Mgbako