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Column: IU continues to grow against Michigan


hmhernan
  • IU led by 27 at one point in the second half, giving Michigan its largest deficit of the season. To say the Hoosiers made a statement on Tuesday night would be almost an understatement. Here’s my latest story on how IU has managed to turn itself around from a team that embarrassed itself at Duke, to a team that is now a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title.

It was a big, Big Ten road win and I think the Hoosiers will look back at this one on selection Sunday as a turning point in the season. This could be the game that allowed IU to silence its doubters, proving it can handle whatever the conference throws its way.

 

Finally fans agree on something, this IU team is a lot more fun to watch than the beginning of the season foreshadowed.

 

Yes, Yogi Ferrell had 17 points and Robert Johnson had 16 to lead the way for the Hoosiers. But it has been the fact that they are getting everyone to contribute that is making a difference. At this point, Ferrell, Johnson and Troy Williams leading in the box score is not a surprise, it is an expectation.

 

In my opinion, a more important stat from Tuesday night is that freshman OG Anunoby had 11 of the team’s 26 bench points. Getting guys to contribute all around is making IU a much stronger team with depth on offense and yes, finally on defense. They have found ways to pick up the slack when the starters are in foul trouble or having an off night.

 

Senior transfer Max Bielfeldt admitted it was a little weird walking into the visitor’s locker room at the Crisler Center. It was a unique situation nonetheless, for him to travel back to Ann Arbor, this time wearing cream and crimson.

 

But what was even more unique on Tuesday night was IU’s 25-0 run to close out the first half. This gave the Hoosiers a 21-point advantage going into halftime.

 

A 25-0 run like that is almost unheard of in the Big Ten, but with IU’s ability on offense, I honestly I can’t say I’m too surprised.

 

“We played an incredible team game together,” Bielfeldt said. “Everyone brought something different and it was so much fun to be out there. The energy was great.”

 

The players admitted they had no idea at the time they were on that sort of a run. After starting off trailing 15-4, I have to admit I was a little nervous.

 

But coach Tom Crean said there was no sense of panic.

 

I think this is one way IU has grown over the course of this season. Earlier on, once things started to fall apart, it was hard for IU to get back on track. We saw it in Maui, we saw it at Duke and we almost saw it at home against Minnesota.

 

But lately, IU has shown it’s able to adapt and make changes during in-game situations, and it has proved to work well.

 

That 25-0 run eventually led to an 80-67 win for the Hoosiers, who are now 9-1 in the conference.

 

They have proved time and time again, that once they get going, they are not slowing down. Michigan stood no chance when IU’s offense caught fire, as we have seen many times already.

 

“The defense generates the offense,” Johnson said. “Everyone was in there playing with energy and it translated into the offense side and everyone got a part of the run.”

 

Yes, one can argue that Yogi carries this team, but now he has guys who can back him up.

 

The Hoosiers have realized the importance of defense, and I could not be happier. It has worked wonders for them in conference play and helped them to gain more confidence on both ends.

 

Even watching from home, you could definitely feel the energy during that 25-0 run, and during the course of the game. It’s clear to see the players are focusing on each other and getting better everyday.

 

“We know how good we can be and we really trust each other,” Anunoby said. “My teammates and coaches give me a lot of confidence.”

 

IU looks smooth on the court, in sync, and locked in. And that’s one thing that the Hoosiers have on their side right now, confidence.

 

After that 25-0 run, Crean said his team was just getting started. But after their 19th overall win, I think the Hoosiers are just getting started at what is shaping up to be a successful, yet exciting season to watch.

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“The defense generates the offense,” Johnson said

The end.

 

I love the fact that the players are beginning to acknowledge this ^. They aren't playing selfish basketball anymore, and look where it's got them. 

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