Rapid Reaction IU vs Evansville

[mdn82 25,510]

Well, that was more like it.  Also, who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall in that locker room when Coach Crean announced Jeff Howard as the starter?  The message was clear, and the message was received.  That was as dominant defensively as we will be against a solid offensive team.  They aren't as good as the 90+ they were scoring heading into this game, but they are definitely solid.  We held them under 50.  Loved the effort on the defensive side of the ball.  We were about as active as one team could be throughout this one.  

 

As a team, we destroyed the boards with 58 to the Aces 30.  It is easy to notice Noah on a day like this, but this was definitely a team effort on the boards.  Turnovers were still a little on the high side with 17.  This is going to be a team, that will probably aim to be around 15 if we are clicking.  On the defensive side we were about as active as anyone could hope.  We had 7 blocks, 8 steals, and forced 15 turnovers while holding the Aces under 30%.  We were successful getting back to the line in this one, going 25-35 from the line.  The Aces only got to the line 22 times in this one while only fouling us 3 more times.  That tells me, many of the fouls we were drawing were at the rim while being aggressive.  Those are numbers that explain a blowout for a team who only shot 40% from the field.  

 

Individually, we really had two standout performances.  First, I would like to mention Jeremy Hollowell and the inspired performance he seemed to have.  He received Coach Crean's message loud and clear in this one.  That was about the most active we have seen him.  He was fighting for loose balls, and playing fairly solid defense.  His 18 points look good on paper, but the stats that won't show up in the box score are the ones that Coach will point out tomorrow.  Second, Noah got back on track with 13 and 12 on a very efficient night (5-6, including his first 3!!!).  Really liked how active Will was in spite of only turning in 6 points.  He also had 5 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.  Yogi had a forgettable 10.  He seemed to really force it today at times we were having success going to the rim. He really needs to improve his decision making of when he flips that switch into full on scorer mode for us to get to where we need to be.  I know Crean has spoke about how aggressive he wants to be.  I just think we have had spots where we are having success driving, and he has 2 or 3 trips in close proximity where he shoots contested 3's with 30 on the shot clock.  

 

All in all, I liked the way they played coming off of a loss.  I loved that Crean used Jeff Howard to light a fire under Jeremy coming out of a loss.  Hopefully he sees where things went right tonight, and it started with effort.  That goes for a lot of people tonight.  It was easy to see it was a collective message, and the boys responded.  As a young group, it is understandable they will have peaks and valleys.  It is also nice to know we have the depth to prove a point.  I don't expect it to be Jeff Howard come B1G play, but we have plenty of options.  One area I thought we would be better in, than what we are is ball-handling.  Just seems to be a big drop off after Yogi goes to the bench.  This is one area we really need to improve, and have the upside to be able to do before conference comes.  Great win tonight for the good guys.  Enjoy it, because next week we go to Syracuse, and relive last year with every promo of the Sweet 16 imaginable.  

[JaybobHoosier 11,852]

Great job mdn, said it perfectly. Find it funny all the Jeremy bashers are no where to be found! They sure showed up when he played bad.

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[Hwy 1 2,053]

The deal with Jeremy is that I hope it isn't like the few games inspiration that CWat got last year after sitting on the bench at tip off. Christian came out strong the next game but then slid back to his lackadaisical self in short order. Hoping Jeremy doesn't do the same. I have no reason to think he will, or won't. No idea really how he'll react.

[Str8Hoosiers 2,965]

Great write up.... We need to cut down on the unforced turnovers... some guys appear to get going faster than they are able...

 

Jeremy had a good game and I really hope he can continue that. I truly think some players are better suited to come off the bench... there is an inherent pressure associated with being a starter and maybe Jeremy can't handle that yet.... I agree that it probably isn't going to be Howard come conference time (Although I thought he played very well last night) but I think we have some other options and if it loosens Hollowell up like that and gets him to play more free that is a good sign.

[FortWayneHoosier 6,200]

The deal with Jeremy is that I hope it isn't like the few games inspiration that CWat got last year after sitting on the bench at tip off. Christian came out strong the next game but then slid back to his lackadaisical self in short order. Hoping Jeremy doesn't do the same. I have no reason to think he will, or won't. No idea really how he'll react.

i really agree with this one, i really hope it doesnt take coach to put someone over JH anymore to prove a point to him, this should be the only time it happens this year.

[LockdownD 2,245]

The deal with Jeremy is that I hope it isn't like the few games inspiration that CWat got last year after sitting on the bench at tip off. Christian came out strong the next game but then slid back to his lackadaisical self in short order. Hoping Jeremy doesn't do the same. I have no reason to think he will, or won't. No idea really how he'll react.

I'm with you on the CWat comparison. Time on the bench can motivate as it apparently did last night. What Jeremy has got to realize is unlike Christian, this year's bench is loaded with athletes hungry for playing time. Jeremy needs to stay motivated or he's going to find it more difficult to get off that bench. Just my opinion.

[mdn82 25,510]

The deal with Jeremy is that I hope it isn't like the few games inspiration that CWat got last year after sitting on the bench at tip off. Christian came out strong the next game but then slid back to his lackadaisical self in short order. Hoping Jeremy doesn't do the same. I have no reason to think he will, or won't. No idea really how he'll react.

 

This.  Crean has the talent now where he shouldn't have to "make examples" of Hollowell every other game.  If he has to come in as a sixth man to get into the game like Will did for the last couple of years, then so be it.  He has the talent to be a starter, but we can't afford for him to go to the extremes Christian sometimes went through.  

[Hovadipo 56,514]

So looking ahead to Syracuse...I had a thought. Are we going to have a bit of a leg up come Tuesday? From what I've seen, the teams stay in Maui a few extra days after the tournament. Does a (probable) Maui win + staying in Hawaii and relaxing + recently getting back on Tuesday = an advantage as far as freshness/focus for IU?


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[mdn82 25,510]

So looking ahead to Syracuse...I had a thought. Are we going to have a bit of a leg up come Tuesday? From what I've seen, the teams stay in Maui a few extra days after the tournament. Does a (probable) Maui win + staying in Hawaii and relaxing + recently getting back on Tuesday = an advantage as far as freshness/focus for IU?


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They are a veteran team with Boeheim as their coach.  Its possible, but I don't think so.  We still have IU on the front of the jersey and any team overlooking that would shock me.  

[All_Hoosiers 873]

The deal with Jeremy is that I hope it isn't like the few games inspiration that CWat got last year after sitting on the bench at tip off. Christian came out strong the next game but then slid back to his lackadaisical self in short order. Hoping Jeremy doesn't do the same. I have no reason to think he will, or won't. No idea really how he'll react.

I think Crean expects a lot from Hollowell and won't sit there and watch poor play. Unlike previous years, I think Crean's more willing to send a message to any player on the squad or sit someone who's playing poorly.

Hopefully Hollowell doesn't need a new message sent every few games, but Crean's ready to send it.


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[Hovadipo 56,514]

They are a veteran team with Boeheim as their coach. Its possible, but I don't think so. We still have IU on the front of the jersey and any team overlooking that would shock me.

Very true. I just can't stand Boeheim and his arrogance. NCAA version of Belichick. It would make me very happy if they did overlook us.


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[mdn82 25,510]

Very true. I just can't stand Boeheim and his arrogance. NCAA version of Belichick. It would make me very happy if they did overlook us.


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You and me both man.  His look just annoys me to no end.