I've seen UCLA play 4 or 5 times this year and never have I seen their defense swarm the way it did in the first half. As much as the media will make a big deal about this being an awful game, I loved the first half. Hard nosed, in your face, aggressive defense ruled the half. Neither team had open shots and when that happens, 14% from the field happens and 20-13 happens.
The second half was a game of adjustments and both teams made them. That's what happens when you have good coaches on the bench. And IU never gave up. DJ was a stud on the boards. Earl controlled the tempo in the second half. Rod struggled for 30+ minutes, but made some key shots down the stretch. Lance has struggled since the B10 season began, but made 2 HUGE 3s. But in the end, it was UCLAs swarming defense that prevented IU from having a chance at the end. And ultimately, that is how that game should have ended, with one team's defense making a HUGE play.
The IU players should hold their heads high after the season they just put in the books. It was a season-long learning experience and the improvement from day 1 to last night was monumental. I can't wait for next year. IU Basketball has a coach again and we fans have hope!
Is it October yet?
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3 comments:
go Hoosiers
Steve:
Well said! I am very pleased with what Coach Sampson got out of his players yesterday as well as throughout the season. They played as best as they could and did a very respectful showing. We, as IU fans, have nothing to be ashamed of. Give the Coach some horses and get out of the way! October 12 (Midnight Madness) can not come fast enough. Finally, IU basketball is back! Bring on the Illini!
we fans have hope!
Absolutely.
This is so much better than at the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, when we were wondering if we were to cheer for or against IU, if Mike Davis could ever develop his players and move forward with the program, if there was any hope for the program climbing back to its previous heights.
There's hope now. We're not there yet, but there's certainly hope.
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