IU vs Notre Dame Rapid Reaction

[JaybobHoosier 12,192]

Well, even though it was an IU loss, it was a great game! Back and forth, but Norte Dame made the plays needed to get the victory. This game emphasized that hustle plays do win games, and Notre Dame definitely won the battle in that category. IU had a tough time adjusting to it, and there were too many times IU would be poised to take the lead, but ND seemed to make those plays

 

A lot of people were worried about Will Sheehey's offense, but he answered those questions tonight. After having horrible shooting performances lately, he went off for 22 points on 9-15 shooting. While his defense and ball handling wasn't there, his much needed offense was. While Sheehey found his touch, Evan Gordon came back down from his hot shooting. Gordon made his first two shots, but went 1-8 after that. He still scored 11pts, however there were a few missed open looks.

 

Evan Gordon's shooting was not the issue, it was IU's inability to get over the hump to take the lead. Perfect example was ND hitting the 3-pointer to end the first half. IU would come roaring back, but Notre Dame always had an answer. The "nail in the coffin" for me was when Coach put IU in the zone defense after playing good man-to-man. Once we did the zone, ND ended up draining a wide open three. Notre Dame went on a run, and IU had a difficult time getting back into the game.

 

I was surprised Hanner didn't get back into the game after he made good plays in the 1st. Felt he deserved some minutes with Noah and Luke not playing effective. Which brings a concern of post-defense. Sherman had his way with our young guys, and they did not adjust. All the IU bigs needed to do was make Sherman go right, but they didn't. That really hurt IU many times throughout the game.

 

Anyway, Rapid Reaction summary, this is what IU is. They are a very talented team, but they struggle against smart, physical teams. IU has trouble with teams that can bully them, and Notre Dame exposed that. IU will be fine, but will struggle a lot this season. I remember a lot of people complaining about the pre-season bracketology with IU getting a 9 seed. I remember texting Natural saying I think IU will finish a 7-9 seed in the NCAA Tourney. IU is a dangerous team, but just lacks a few things to get them close victories.

 

Don't get mad or upset, we knew this IU team can play like this. They fought hard, but just couldn't grind out the victory. IU is just fine!

 

 

Hope this is Mdn approved and worthy :)

[JSHoosier 21,097]

Sounds like we still suck at playing zone.

 

"IU has trouble with teams that can bully them".  Can we forfeit the Wisconsin game?  That'll be a beat down.

[Parakeet Jones 3,848]

When this team catches up mentally to where they are physically they will be a tough out.  Until then there will be games like today where mental errors cost us dearly.  I hope that catch up happens some time this year rather than next.  

[BlueDevil 9,112]

Good to see will find his game and his game is inside the 3 point line. Streaky shooter but he needs to stay away from the 3 ball.


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