IU - ISU

IU invaded the Hulman Center in Terre Haute to face the Sycamores.

I just love the media. Thanks Jim Barber for telling us that there isn't a ticket available in a sold out arena. Then he proceeds to tell us they are expecting approximately 10,000 tonight in the 12,000 seat arena. Ummmm what's wrong with that picture?

ISU started strong and had a 10-5 lead early. Ben Allen saved IU hitting 3 3 pt shots and 13 points to give IU a 5 pt lead at the half 35-30. Yet does Allen get to start the 2nd half as a reward for saving IU? No.

ISU went on an 18-2 run turning an 8 pt deficit to an 8 pt lead. In the midst of it, Monroe lost the ball off of his leg and Davis, instead of Coaching during a TO, spent the entire time yelling at the official... over a play that didn't matter. Sad. Did I mention that ISU scored on 3 straight in-bounds plays coming out of time outs. Now that is coaching.

ISU led by 11 with 5:05 left. Then IU went on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 2 with 3 minutes left. Then Davis was outcoached again. ISU went inside to get to the free throw line for easy points. And IU took 2 bad shots and turned it over twice. Nice 3 attempt from Killer... that was impressive. And were was Ben Allen during all this? He was on the bench.

That game was a perfect example of what happens when a team with no talent and a great coach plays a team with No coach, but great talent. Coaching wins every time.

ISU 72 - IU 67

So a few of my earlier concerns about this team didn't change a lot in this game.

Killingsworth continued to play behind his man inside and his man, this game, Freshman Tuttle scored repeatedly using a shot fake to get Killer in the air then a nice little up and under for easy buckets. And I just love seeing Killingsworth pulling up for the 3 on the fast break. What is with the constant complaining to the officials? Just play the game.

Davis can't coach.

IU continued to take quick bad shots, which allowed ISU to have numerous trips where they didn't have to play defense at all. Good teams will take full advantage of those bad shots.

Davis can't make adjustments.

Defensive principles... does this team even have any? They miss switches, they help late, they don't defend the 3 point line and are out of position nearly all the time. They have no idea how to play defense in the post or how to defend the backcut.

Davis still can't coach.

Ben Allen could be a key contributor to this team. He adds size on the Defensive end for rebounding, but at the offensive end can bring his man out to the 3 point line and knock the shot down. He compliments DJ or Marco very well on the offensive end in ways DJ and Marco don't compliment each other. With DJ and Marco playing on the floor at the same time, one will end up doing nothing while the other gets the ball inside. Unless Mike has those 2 shooting from the 3 pt arc, which he probably will even though they can't knock it down like Ben can.

Next up Kentucky!