Rapid Reaction IU vs. MSU

[mdn82 25,743]

IU has a week.  They have a week to head to PSU and right the ship that is the season after that beatdown at the hands of a team who should be there at the end of the year.  The outcome isn't a shock.  The way we got there isn't a shock.  In the grand scheme of things it was less surprising than the ND and UI games.  Unfortunately, we are getting to a point in the season where we have to beat teams we shouldn't to have any chance of making the tournament.  

 

As a team, the story was the stagnant offense.  The story was shots falling for MSU that shouldn't have.  Defensively, we were ok until the end.  We had kept them at 40% all day until they pulled away at the end.  I was proud of the fact we kept it in the zip code with them in turnovers (15-11).  They out rebounded us 34-32.  For long stretches of time our issues were again in the half court.  We had many times where it would be a 2 man game where 3 players were weak side just watching.  We are easy to defend in those circumstances.  Also, when we got the ball in to the paint to Noah, they would collapse.  All of that is what you should do, but beyond that, that is where the smart play stops.  When the person guarding you collapses, you drive to the rim for a dump off pass if you are a slasher.  Our players do not do fundamental things such as that, that would make their lives easier on the court.  I hope these are teaching points that come through by the end of the year.  

 

Individually, it all starts with Stanford Robinson for me.  This guy was everywhere.  He was even in the middle of a quick technical call when two MSU players threw a shoulder into him walking away.  He ended up with 11 points / 4 rebounds / 2 assists.  It wasn't just on the offensive end where Stan was the star.  He spent the afternoon pulling a Vic and guarding Gary and Keith for stretches.  Our most successful stretches on the court were when he was out there.  He also allowed Will to not have to guard Gary, and that in turn allowed Will to show up offensively.  He scored 13 on 4-6 shooting (3-3 from 3pt).  Yogi also got his with with 17.  Unfortunately he also added 5 of the turnovers.  Noah was fairly non-existent offensively with 5, but added 9 boards.  Beyond that Devin added 6 boards. 

 

In conclusion, there really isn't much surprise from this.  Anyone who has watched us play over the last couple of weeks knew how bad we have played lately.  We were playing a team who will be there in that Championship discussion by the end of the year.  There were positives to take away from this game in spite of the beatdown.  We seen Stan breakout.  That breakout on both ends allowed Will to open up offensively, not having to exert so much energy defensively.  Both will be crucial to our success down the stretch.  I know 15 turnovers aren't great at first glance.  But, against a team who hunt for turnovers like Charlie for good play, it is a solid output.  Against a Nebraska, that is 12.  That is a great number for this team and will give us chances to win in games we shouldn't.  This was a game we really had little chance.  It is ironic in our most helpless game of the year I am the most excited about the progress of our team going forward.  

[JaybobHoosier 12,249]

Well said! Only thing, is that I don't blame Noah for his point total. He hardly ever got the ball, and did what he could. Stan was the Man today!