On this episode of CrimsonCast, Scott & Galen come back from the ends of the earth to return to the Podcast world. They discuss a loss at Northwestern, how important the next two games are, the B1G Tournament, IU’s place in the NCAA tournament and the macro view of where IUBB is as a program right now.
Introduction
The #23rd-ranked Butler Bulldogs and the Indiana Hoosiers met in Indianapolis at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon to compete in the Crossroads Classic. The Hoosiers continue their reign as a top 5 scoring offense (4th, 87.5 PPG), while shooting just over 50% from the field (9th in the NCAA). The Bulldogs have a stout defense which is ranked 13th in the nation in points against. Indiana has lost to Butler for three consecutive years, and the Hoosiers were looking to give the Bulldogs their first-ever loss in the Crossroads Classic.
Recap
Both teams knew coming into the game it was going to be a battle. Sophomore Troy Williams led the Hoosiers in scoring with 12 points, but it was Butler junior Kellen Dunham who stole the show. Dunham, who averages 16.3 PPG this season, had 18 in the first half alone, and went 9/9 from the free throw line. The teams traded baskets throughout the first ten minutes, and in the early stages of the game both teams found themselves tied at 17. The Hoosiers then went on a 9-1 run, but the Bulldogs finished the half on an 11-1 run to tie it back up at 38 at the break.
The Hoosiers played an excellent 15 minute half… too bad there were 5 minutes left. The Bulldogs shot 42% from the floor, but went 11 of 15 from the free throw line. That is too many easy points for the Bulldogs. The Hoosiers offensive rebounding (11 in the first half) should’ve been a bigger factor but really didn’t translate to the scoreboard. Once again the Hoosiers bench showed up to play, scoring 15 of the 38 points in the first half.
When the second half started there was that fear that the Hoosiers were going to collapse like in the Louisville game. And for the first part of the half, those fears seemed justified, as the Hoosiers weren’t effectively playing the game, missing shots and playing less than average defense, but that all changed. Tom Crean emphasized that the Hoosiers needed to play the zone, and boy did that help. The Hoosiers limited Dunham in the second half to only 5 points. The zone also opened up the Hoosiers offense by giving them fast break opportunities.
The biggest storyline of the second half, however, was Yogi Ferrell. The standout junior point guard returned to his hometown of Indianapolis but couldn’t buy a bucket in the first half. However, he bounced back in a big way in the second half, scoring 20 points and delivering the Hoosiers their second win against a top 25 opponent this season (SMU #22). Final Score, 82-73.
Thoughts
Credit for this win goes out to Tom Crean for changing the game plan and reverting to the zone defense in the second half. It really opened up the game for the Hoosiers, allowing the players to rest a little bit on defense, which gave them that extra energy to up the tempo on the other end of the floor. Yogi Ferrell also deserves huge kudos for the way he played in the second half. His absence was noticed in the first half, and you have to believe Tom Crean gave him a nice talking to during halftime. Also huge-ups to Troy Williams, he finished the game with a double-double (22pts, 11 rebs), and that should be huge for his confidence.
This game was a great experience for a young Hoosier team. They faced some adversity, learned from their mistakes, and improved. They didn’t lie down in the second half, instead they rallied to win. The Hoosiers are now 9-2 on the season and have two more non-conference games before starting their conference schedule on the road at Nebraska on New Year’s Eve.
Join CrimsonCast hosts Scott and Galen as they record the first-ever episode of the podcast where both men were in a moving vehicle at the same time. In this episode, we talk about the difficult slate of games facing this IU team, the sustainability of IU’s shooting percentages, the question marks surrounding what the team has accomplished to this point, and the ideal roster rotation from this point forward. We also give prescriptions for IU successfully navigating the next two months and putting itself in a position to make the NCAA tournament.
Check out this episode of the Hoosier Hangout, as Michael Rayome and Mike Petry discuss the latest goings-on with Indiana basketball.
Introduction
The Indiana Hoosiers hosted the Grand Canyon Antelopes Saturday evening. The Hoosiers were coming off a tough defeat against Louisville, only their second of the season, and were looking to bounce back at Assembly Hall. Grand Canyon is favored to win the Western Athletic Conference this year, especially with the help of their number one recruit Dewayne Russell, who made his debut against the Hoosiers.
Recap
1st half
The Hoosiers played the game like many others this year, from behind the arc. They shot 20 three-pointers in the 1st half, only netting 7. Their overall shooting in the 1st half was almost dismal, going 15-40 from the floor. That is 50% of shots coming from behind the arc, and very dangerous game planning from Tom Crean. The Hoosiers did however dominate the glass, outrebounding Grand Canyon 29-18 and gathering 11 offensive rebounds. This led to the extra six chances the Hoosiers had over the Antelopes (40-34), which resulted in an 11-point lead, 42-31.
Four Hoosiers recorded 6 points in the 1st half (junior Yogi Ferrell, sophomore Troy Williams, junior transfer Nick Zeisloft and sophomore Collin Hartman), but freshman James Blackmon Jr. led with 7. Zeisloft and Blackmon had 6 rebounds apiece as well. The Antelope’s Dewayne Russell’s 14 points in the 1st half led all scoring however.
2nd Half
The Hoosiers had some questions to answer about their 1st half play, and boy did they answer them. Tom Crean’s boys opened up the 1st half with a 10-4 run and didn’t look back. That problem with their field goal percentage? As my Italian-American-Growin’-Up-In-Jersey Aunt says… “Forget about it!” They shot over 50% in the 2nd half and scored over 50 points. They cut back on the three balls and had 15 of their 18 2nd half field goals come from inside the arc. Tom Crean even stepped on the court to break up a fight toward the end of the game. Final score, 94-66 Indiana Hoosiers.
Blackmon finished the game with 18 points, just shy of his 19 points-per-game average, which leads all freshman across the country. Zeisloft and junior Hanner Mosquera-Perea each had 7 rebounds and Troy Williams had 8. Mosquera-Perea was dominant in the post as he picked up 8 points and made 3/5 free throws. Williams driving ability was on display, finishing 5 times at the rim and drawing three fouls (4/6 free throws).
Thoughts
Not much to see here people, move along, move along. The Hoosiers had a shaky 1st half despite leading by 11, but they killed any doubts with their dominant 2nd half display. Mosquera-Perea continues to dominate when he is the biggest man on the floor. He rarely takes a poor shot and has been able to lead the B1G Conference in field goal percentage so far this season. Crean has them team running pretty smoothly and they seem to handle their business when they are expected too. Another win at home for the Hoosiers, which brings their record to 8-2. Indiana’s next game is in Indianapolis at a neutral site against the #15 ranked in-state rival Butler Bulldogs.
Introduction
The #3 scoring offense of the Hoosiers met the #3 scoring defense of the Cardinals. The game was prefaced by the famous Jimmy Valvano speech, which reminds us that this is just a game and that there are more important things in life. The game was a part of the doubleheader Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. The Louisville Cardinals came in ranked #4 in the nation, boasting a physically dominating team that generates offense from their defense. The Hoosiers had a tough test facing a team that plays right into their weaknesses.
Recap
The game started brilliantly for the Hoosiers, making smart plays with the ball and securing rebounds. They held their own up until the score was 16-16 when Louisville did what they do better than all but one team in the nation, steal the ball, over… and over…. and over again. The score was 23-16, and Tom Crean was forced to call a timeout and the Hoosiers regrouped.
The Hoosiers went back to their bread-and-butter by shooting the long ball. Junior Nick Zeisloft and freshman Max Hoetzel were put on the court to do just that. The Hoosiers knocked down four three-pointers down the first half stretch, cutting the lead down to one point, 30-29. That’s the closest the Hoosiers would get in the half though. The Cardinals went on a 14-2 run due to offensive rebounding, steals and poor ball handling by Indiana.
The Hoosiers weren’t done fighting however, scoring 9 straight points after the TV timeout with just under 4 minutes left. The Hoosiers ended the half on a 10-2 run, cutting the lead down to 5, 46-41. The Hoosiers shot 7-10 from the three-point line, lead by Zeisloft (3/5), but were outrebounded 25-19 in the first half. The Cardinals recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks and Indiana turned the ball over 13 times.
The Hoosiers came out calm and composed to start the second half and opened up the scoring with an 11-2 run, taking the lead 52-50. Louisville picked it back up however hitting a couple of threes down the stretch and using their All-American big man, Junior Montrezl Harrell (who had a dominating first half as well). Montrezl’s movement off the ball was poison for the Hoosiers as he recorded dunk after dunk. Louisville regained their lead quickly and then some, going on a 21-8 run and extending their lead to 13, 73-60.
The Hoosiers tried to come back but the Cardinals were shooting lights out and proved to be just too much for the Hoosiers. The young Indiana team played into Louisville’s hands, allowing offensive rebounds for the Cardinals that lead to too many second chance points. Indiana only turned the ball over 6 times in the second half, but shot 1-7 from beyond the arc. Final score, 94-74 Louisville.
Thoughts
It was a tough game for the Hoosiers, and they knew it would be. They played well for 29 minutes of the game but just couldn’t close it out. I’m exhausted from watching this one, a lot of highs and a lot of lows. I want to be disappointed because I wanted another miracle… another Kentucky, but hey, they played their hearts out and I can only see them improving from here. Freshman Justin Blackmon Jr. had a mediocre night, and he led the team with 18 points. Junior Yogi Ferrell had a less than mediocre night and ended it with 13. The Hoosiers lack any physical presence and it was a glaring problem… we miss you Cody… we really do.
Introduction
Indiana’s early-season home stretch ended with a game against Savannah State on this past Saturday night. The Hoosiers enter the game having scored over 80 points in four straight games and six of their first seven. They are ranked 6th in the nation in points per game and first in the B1G. The Hoosiers have been dominating from the three-point line as well, shooting 43% and making 9.3 three-point field goals per game. Savannah State came into the game as one of the worst teams in the nation when it comes to turnovers.
Recap
The Hoosiers got off to a slow start but ramped things up quickly. The two teams exchanged points until Indiana lead 12-9. IU went on to end the half on a 31-8 run, finishing the half leading 43-17. The Hoosiers must have been eating at Burger King lately because they were having it their way. They shot 50% from the field and 6-14 from three-point land. They also outrebounded the Tigers 23-13. Junior Yogi Ferrell led the scoring with 11 points, followed by freshman James Blackmon Jr. with 8. Indiana’s bench contributed thirteen points, continuing with the theme of consistency this year.
The Hoosiers handled the second half fairly easily. They opened up the half on a 23-10 run before they started to play their bench. They played 14 players throughout the game, the most they have played all season. The bench wound up with 22 points in the second half. The Hoosiers shot 57% for the night and scored a whopping 52 points in the second half, exceeding their season average for points per game (87.4) by putting up 95. Blackmon and Ferrell ended the night with 18 before they were given their seats on the bench. Savannah State came into the night knowing they were in for a tough game and were able to gain some experience for their players and some money for their school. Final score, 95-49.
Thoughts
That makes it two games in a row IU handled their business without any major hiccups, no injuries, and no blown leads. The Hoosiers could be undefeated on the season if it weren’t for the late collapse against Eastern Washington. This sets up the Hoosiers for their big game against Louisville on Tuesday night, providing them with their first true test of the season. If you would’ve asked me if the Hoosiers had any chance of beating Louisville away from Assembly Hall at the beginning of the season I would’ve gave them no chance, but they’ve changed my mind with their recent performances. I’ll be glued to my couch, eyes fixed on the mounted 60” in my apartment Tuesday night as my teacher calls out my name for roll (Sorry professor!).
Introduction
Indiana University opened up the B1G/ACC challenge at home against Pittsburgh on national television (ESPN2). Indiana comes back from break after picking up their first loss to Eastern Washington, then coming back strong against UNC Greensboro on Friday night. Pittsburgh came into the game ranked 2nd overall in offensive rebounding while IU had the 8th overall scoring offense, putting up an average of 88.5 points per game. James Blackmon Jr, who leads all freshmen in scoring, has improved the Hoosiers guard play immensely.
Recap
The Hoosiers opened up the scoring 4-7 before Pitt called a timeout. After a couple missed chances on both ends, freshman James Blackmon Jr got a little heated at a call and was subbed off for a quick breather. While he was off the floor Pitt tied the ball game up and then took a 13-11 lead. The teams traded blows until the Hoosiers took their 20-22 lead and went on an 8-0 run. Freshman Max Hoetzel contributed with a three and sophomore Troy Williams scored in the paint. Williams pace was too much for Pitt to handle as he scored 8 points and recorded 4 rebounds in the first half. Sophomore Collin Hartman also contributed with a three pointer to extend the Hoosiers lead. Pitt didn’t roll over though; they used their physicality to dominate the boards, outrebounding the Hoosiers 22-15 in the first half. Pitt relied on the dribble drive and kick-outs to put together a run to try and stay in the game. 6’7” freshman Emmitt Holt was a great surprise off the bench, scoring 11 points and pulling down 3 rebounds as the Hoosiers closed out the half 45-37. The Indiana bench had 22 points while the starters had 23. Pitt sophomore Chris Jones led all scoring with 16.
The second half started just like the first ended, blows were traded until Indiana found some footing and took off. Early on they had an 8-15 run that increased their lead to 14. The Hoosiers matched physicality and made more hustle plays in the second half. Hartman had a couple rebounds in the thick of things, and Crean was happy with giving up fouls when the boys in red went for the boards. Holt scored 4 more points and collected 2 more rebounds and Williams added just another bucket. Junior Yogi Ferrell and Blackmon Jr, after struggling in the first half, took over their respective roles as leading scorers in the and distanced themselves from Pitt. After trailing by 22 Pitt went back to the dribble drive and kick-out for the three. They inched their way back into the game but it was too little too late. They cut the lead to 10 with 1:20 to go but had to start fouling to try and slow down the game. Indiana was able to pull out the victory 69-81.
Thoughts
What an impressive showing for the Hoosiers. They faced a difficult and physical opponent and made adjustments to keep Pitt out of the game. Some interesting things to point out for the Hoosiers:
It was a fun game to watch as the Hoosiers handled their business. I don’t really have any real criticism after this showing. Tom Crean said after the game “We are trying to build a team with consistent depth.” If this bench can perform this well game after game Indiana will be a force this season. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple weeks, as Indiana’s schedule gets progressively harder. They play Savannah State and then play #5 Louisville in a neutral stadium. Louisville boasts a top 10 defense and they are the number one rebounding team in the nation. If the Hoosiers can find their physicality and build some momentum against Savannah State, the Louisville game can be that cornerstone game that sets the tenor for the rest of the season.
On this edition of CrimsonCast, we take a look back at a tough week for IU basketball, as the Hoosiers fell at home to Eastern Washington, struggled in the second half against UNC Greensboro, and searched for a defensive identity. We talk about the problems that the IU defense is experiencing, including the poor performance inside the 3 point line, and what that might mean against upcoming opponents.
We also preview next week’s Pittsburgh game in the ACC – Big 10 challenge. Originally a game that did not look particularly challenging, the matchup is now a bit of a concern, and we talk about some of Pitt’s statistical profile and what it might mean coming into the contest on Tuesday. We also take some time talking about early-season NCAA tournament ramifications from wins and losses, and how those might affect the Hoosiers in March.
On this victorious and final football episode of CrimsonCast for the 2014 season, we break down IU’s 23-16 win over Purdue in the Old Oaken Bucket game, focusing on the performances by Tevin Coleman, Zander Diamont, and the IU defense as whole. We also take some time to give the 2014 season a full post-mortem, talking about how the team played and how the injuries and other events of the year affected the pre-season expectations that many had for the squad.
We also take a look forward to 2015, talking about the make-or-break nature of the season for Kevin Wilson and his staff, and pondering the situations at quarterback and wide receiver.
