Rapid Reaction IU vs Syracuse

[mdn82 25,633]

Well, they handled us like most of us expected.  I think I guessed 66-54 or something close to that in the prediction.  A few obvious reasons this happened.  We don't have the shooters comfortable enough to take a shot if it is given to them.  Numerous times the shot was there.  The zone tonight was in position to take away the drive.  People see Syracuse's zone and think it is one dimensional.  If you watch Syracuse you will notice they switch things up.  Last year they got out on shooters, and sagged on Zeller.  We are more one dimensional this year than last.  They weren't going to let us drive at all.  On top of all of that, we just aren't good in half court games under Crean for a multitude of reasons.  Crean is good at getting us out quick, and the secondary break.  If that stalls, we aren't good.  Our offense is the transition game and getting to the line.  

 

As a team, we got out-coached, out-manned, and all around outplayed for the last 20 minutes.  Honestly I am impressed by Beiheim every time I see them.  He takes something as simplistic as the 2-3 and adds wrinkles per team that usually work.  Vonleh is so physical, and that is how he was able to get to the line as much as he did.  We didn't turn the ball over any more or any less than normal with 16.  They out rebounded us by 1.  How did they beat us down then?  Difference was in the defensive philosophy, and intensity.  They shot over 50% against us.  In no universe should any team shoot that well against this team.  We are long, athletic, and quick.  Many teams will beat us, but that was unacceptable.  We shot just shy of 40%, which you would expect.  We will not beat any teams giving up that percentage, because against the best of teams we play, we can't match that.  

 

Individually, the story was the disappearing act of Will Sheehey.  As a Senior, on the road, you have to show up.  You have to provide the guidance needed for Freshman.  Will Sheehey is a great leader, and I would be willing to bet this won't happen again.  Not 1-7 for 3 points and 1 steal.  That was it.  He is too valuable in that environment for that line.  Noah got to the line 16 times and hit 13 of them.  He also had 6 boards and 3 blocks.  Yogi hit 4 three pointers for 12 points.  Troy had a ridiculous put back that will undoubtedly be a highlight on Sportcenter tonight. 

 

Well, for a conclusion there is no way to sugar coat this.  They beat us to the punch, and took away our only way of competing.  They took away the lanes, and dared us to shoot all night.  We hesitated, and made careless mistake after careless mistake against a zone.  It was ugly really from the beginning, even though we were really in it until like 2 minutes in to the second half.  Seriously, I didn't think it was possible for IU to go 12+ without a FG.  That in itself is impressive and sad at the same time.  Impressive for Syracuse, and sad for IU.  From here, we go back to cupcakes.  Hopefully they can get back on track, whatever that track may be.  

[JaybobHoosier 12,078]

Well said Mr. Mdn. Great job!

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[All_Hoosiers 873]

A very, very disappointing performance, especially since we once took the lead after being down 10-0.

 

Vonleh played well, Yogi was okay, and everyone else was downright awful. I'm not the biggest Sheehey fan in the world, and I'm even less of a fan after tonight.

 

Crean said he thought his players were surprised to be in that game, which somewhat explains the second half. If it is true that Indiana players were surprised to be in the game, I'm glad Crean didn't call a timeout and let them sit and take their beating.

 

A lot of work left to do.