From my perspective, we have been very good on defense whenever we have fully embraced the challenge of playing defense. Playing without Ayo put them in position in which they were all fully aware that the only path to winning was through doing the hard work, playing defense.
The biggest difference has been at the point. Andre has remained aggressive, but is beginning to understand the limits of high major D-1 basketball. What works, and what leads to turnovers. Trent Frazier has been more aggressive offensively than he has been in two full seasons. He has limited himself to being a spot up shooter, and he can be so much more than that, as we saw Tuesday night.
If Ayo's presence has any limiting effect on the team, it isn't because of him. I think he is so good, guys tend to defer to him. As though Trent has been asking himself, "Should I drive, or just pass the ball to Dos and let him go to work?" I think the same goes for Adam Miller. I think they have been afraid their aggression will lead to less efficient shots. Without Ayo, they understand they have to go get it.
Hopefully, whenever Ayo does return, they remember how good they are.