Rapid Reaction IU vs. Kennesaw St.

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The holiday feasting is finally over folks.  Another game that was never in doubt is behind us.  It will be our last gimme of the season.  Now comes conference, where we will either rise to the occasion, or fold under the pressure of the conference.  That is a discussion for another day.  Hopefully we will have something up for you guys shortly where we can rank and then discuss the B1G in more detail. More to come on that.  

 

As a team we did what we have done all pre-conference.  We turned the ball over at an alarming clip.  We at times played smothering defense.  Offensively we had trouble getting into a rhythm in the half court.  We out-rebounded, and out-hustled a lesser opponent to get an easy W.  I could have used that same explanation in 10 games so far this year, and it would have made sense.  Numbers don't mean as much in a game like this.  You really want to get a feel for how players are progressing.  Luke and Will really have it going heading into conference.  Evan has played better in the last 5 games than the first 5.  Yogi has been more efficient shooting the ball, but needs to tighten up the turnovers.  Noah is a double-double beast, who must find a way to stay out of foul trouble.  Troy is an athletic freak who must use his key asset to play shut down defense and get to the rim.  Jeremy has spurts, but gets lost too easily.  Stan and Devin could easily see more minutes, but find themselves stuck on the bench in key situations.  

 

Individually, there were really 3 key performances in this game.  Yogi was very efficient shooting the ball.  He really is making better decisions there.  However, his turnovers lower stress situations still negate some of that offensive efficiency.  The easiest example is a 3 on 1, and he goes behind the back?  At some point Yogi will need to realize the flashy play is just making a play.  It may be boring.  It probably won't end up on Sportcenter.  But, at the end of the year, people look at stats.  That is what is remembered.  Not a behind the back pass against Kennesaw St.  Will has been very aggressive lately and it has helped this team immensely.  Going into conference we need this Will if we have a chance at going to the tournament.  Mostly, I was really happy with Luke today.  That kid's numbers weren't loud, but his play was just solid.  We flashed as well if not better than Zeller did at times last year in the paint.  He made some solid blocks.  He takes what the defense gives him, whether that is a 12 foot jumper or a drive to the lane.  Really think this kid has the chance to be a special 4 year player.  

 

All in all, the cupcakes are done.  We will find out where we stand early on like every other year.  These kids have hit their wall, and it has shown lately.  Hopefully a few days off will recharge the battery, and give them the energy to be a solid team for conference.  Offensively we are what we are.  We can't shoot, and we have trouble moving the ball.  We need to find ways to limit turnovers.  We can't shoot good enough like last year's team to overcome silly turnovers.  Beyond that, everyone enjoy the holidays!  Be safe, and enjoy all of the new Hoosier gear for Christmas!