Column: IU continues to grow against Michigan

[hmhernan]

IU led by 27 at one point in the second half, giving Michigan its largest deficit of the season. To say the Hoosiers made a statement on Tuesday night would be almost an understatement. Here’s my latest story on how IU has managed to turn itself around from a team that embarrassed itself at Duke, to a team that is now a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title.

It was a big, Big Ten road win and I think the Hoosiers will look back at this one on selection Sunday as a turning point in the season. This could be the game that allowed IU to silence its doubters, proving it can handle whatever the conference throws its way.

 

Finally fans agree on something, this IU team is a lot more fun to watch than the beginning of the season foreshadowed.

 

Yes, Yogi Ferrell had 17 points and Robert Johnson had 16 to lead the way for the Hoosiers. But it has been the fact that they are getting everyone to contribute that is making a difference. At this point, Ferrell, Johnson and Troy Williams leading in the box score is not a surprise, it is an expectation.

 

In my opinion, a more important stat from Tuesday night is that freshman OG Anunoby had 11 of the team’s 26 bench points. Getting guys to contribute all around is making IU a much stronger team with depth on offense and yes, finally on defense. They have found ways to pick up the slack when the starters are in foul trouble or having an off night.

 

Senior transfer Max Bielfeldt admitted it was a little weird walking into the visitor’s locker room at the Crisler Center. It was a unique situation nonetheless, for him to travel back to Ann Arbor, this time wearing cream and crimson.

 

But what was even more unique on Tuesday night was IU’s 25-0 run to close out the first half. This gave the Hoosiers a 21-point advantage going into halftime.

 

A 25-0 run like that is almost unheard of in the Big Ten, but with IU’s ability on offense, I honestly I can’t say I’m too surprised.

 

“We played an incredible team game together,” Bielfeldt said. “Everyone brought something different and it was so much fun to be out there. The energy was great.”

 

The players admitted they had no idea at the time they were on that sort of a run. After starting off trailing 15-4, I have to admit I was a little nervous.

 

But coach Tom Crean said there was no sense of panic.

 

I think this is one way IU has grown over the course of this season. Earlier on, once things started to fall apart, it was hard for IU to get back on track. We saw it in Maui, we saw it at Duke and we almost saw it at home against Minnesota.

 

But lately, IU has shown it’s able to adapt and make changes during in-game situations, and it has proved to work well.

 

That 25-0 run eventually led to an 80-67 win for the Hoosiers, who are now 9-1 in the conference.

 

They have proved time and time again, that once they get going, they are not slowing down. Michigan stood no chance when IU’s offense caught fire, as we have seen many times already.

 

“The defense generates the offense,” Johnson said. “Everyone was in there playing with energy and it translated into the offense side and everyone got a part of the run.”

 

Yes, one can argue that Yogi carries this team, but now he has guys who can back him up.

 

The Hoosiers have realized the importance of defense, and I could not be happier. It has worked wonders for them in conference play and helped them to gain more confidence on both ends.

 

Even watching from home, you could definitely feel the energy during that 25-0 run, and during the course of the game. It’s clear to see the players are focusing on each other and getting better everyday.

 

“We know how good we can be and we really trust each other,” Anunoby said. “My teammates and coaches give me a lot of confidence.”

 

IU looks smooth on the court, in sync, and locked in. And that’s one thing that the Hoosiers have on their side right now, confidence.

 

After that 25-0 run, Crean said his team was just getting started. But after their 19^th overall win, I think the Hoosiers are just getting started at what is shaping up to be a successful, yet exciting season to watch.

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[Danah]

I love OG's DEFENSE!!!! He played an outstanding defensive game also. Hopefully it will continue to rub off on the others!!!

[JaybobHoosier]

Fantastic article! This team just has something special about them. For us as fans, this was huge because most started predicting the normal February downfall. Loved watching this team, and who thought we would see Priller playing in a Big10 game on the road? Love it!

[MartintheMopMan]

Fantastic article Hutch! This team just has something special about them. For us as fans, this was huge because most started predicting the normal February downfall. Loved watching this team, and who thought we would see Priller playing in a Big10 game on the road? Love it!

Not Hutch. Oh my gosh Jay, how many times do we have to tell you to learn to read?

 

 

I think this is one way IU has grown over the course of this season. Earlier on, once things started to fall apart, it was hard for IU to get back on track. We saw it in Maui, we saw it at Duke and we almost saw it at home against Minnesota.

 

But lately, IU has shown it’s able to adapt and make changes during in-game situations, and it has proved to work well.

You nailed it right here. This is the biggest change we've seen since those loses. This team is tough, when they get behind on the road, they aren't just going to pack it in and decide they've lost the game. Crean is willing to call a needed timeout, use the timeout to make adjustments, and the team responds to the adjustments and improves. I don't think we've ever seen this before in the Crean era and the change is dramatic. Even the Oladipo years, trailing by 11 at Michigan and being just trounced in those first 5 minutes would have set the tone for the rest of the game. These guys are saying they get to set the tone no matter what and it makes all the difference.

[Miller'sTheMan]

I think this is the best coaching we've seen from Crean since he's been here.

[Southern Hoosier]

http://indysportsreport.com/2016/02/tom-crean-showing-season-hes-right-man-job-indiana/

 

Good read, curious on people's thoughts....

[iceman]

Good read & I think finally they understand defense can make them a contender ! Hoosiers !!!

[chitown hoosier]

http://indysportsreport.com/2016/02/tom-crean-showing-season-hes-right-man-job-indiana/

Good read, curious on people's thoughts....

Thanks for the read. Good article.

[JaybobHoosier]

Not Hutch. Oh my gosh Jay, how many times do we have to tell you to learn to read?


You nailed it right here. This is the biggest change we've seen since those loses. This team is tough, when they get behind on the road, they aren't just going to pack it in and decide they've lost the game. Crean is willing to call a needed timeout, use the timeout to make adjustments, and the team responds to the adjustments and improves. I don't think we've ever seen this before in the Crean era and the change is dramatic. Even the Oladipo years, trailing by 11 at Michigan and being just trounced in those first 5 minutes would have set the tone for the rest of the game. These guys are saying they get to set the tone no matter what and it makes all the difference.

Haha, I'm at work, I'm excused :) read Hutch's first then this one.

[ALASKA HOOSIER]

Defense! If he can continue to concentrate on the basic fundamentals, we will shine

[chitown hoosier]

Coach got a little cute with defense earlier on. It probably had a lot to do with TB learning as well but there was far too many times where Indiana would switch between defenses. I love how Indiana is playing pretty much man to man now. Last year he didn't have the personnel to do that which forced them to play that dreaded zone. It also helps that OG and JM can defend mutliple positions. I do think the main factor in the improved D is Yogi. Earlier on the year I was really critical of him. He was getting beat left and right and seemed to only care about offense. His improved D has really brought him to a different level these days.

[hmhernan]

Fantastic article! This team just has something special about them. For us as fans, this was huge because most started predicting the normal February downfall. Loved watching this team, and who thought we would see Priller playing in a Big10 game on the road? Love it!

Thanks for reading!! After the OT loss at Wisconsin, I'm glad this team was able to get back on the road and start off February with a win like this.

[hmhernan]

Not Hutch. Oh my gosh Jay, how many times do we have to tell you to learn to read?

 

 

You nailed it right here. This is the biggest change we've seen since those loses. This team is tough, when they get behind on the road, they aren't just going to pack it in and decide they've lost the game. Crean is willing to call a needed timeout, use the timeout to make adjustments, and the team responds to the adjustments and improves. I don't think we've ever seen this before in the Crean era and the change is dramatic. Even the Oladipo years, trailing by 11 at Michigan and being just trounced in those first 5 minutes would have set the tone for the rest of the game. These guys are saying they get to set the tone no matter what and it makes all the difference.

Thank you for reading! I think the timeouts have been huge. It's not something Crean typically did much in the past, and I've heard him mention Yogi has taken the lead in huddles, too. The whole team is showing they can make improvements, and that they WANT to make improvements. With new guys like OG, Max Bielfeldt, and Juwan Morgan making some impact, that new energy has been huge for them. 

[hmhernan]

I think this is the best coaching we've seen from Crean since he's been here.

He certainly has made a lot of change and improvements this year, and I think this team is one that really wants to grow, learn and continue to improve. It's not the same situation when they make mistakes anymore. Now, Crean takes them out of the game pretty quickly and you'll see Crean or someone else jumping on them right away to fix the problem. It's hard for a coach to teach guys who don't have any desire to learn. Thankfully, this team doesn't seem to have this problem, they all look pretty coachable. 

[hmhernan]

Good read & I think finally they understand defense can make them a contender ! Hoosiers !!!

Thanks for reading. Although this season was a little bit of a rough start, I agree with you- I think they are definitely on the right track. 

[hmhernan]

Defense! If he can continue to concentrate on the basic fundamentals, we will shine

On a team with this much dominance offensively, it's nice to see they haven't gotten selfish. I agree, defense and fundamental improvements have been crucial so far.  

[hmhernan]

Coach got a little cute with defense earlier on. It probably had a lot to do with TB learning as well but there was far too many times where Indiana would switch between defenses. I love how Indiana is playing pretty much man to man now. Last year he didn't have the personnel to do that which forced them to play that dreaded zone. It also helps that OG and JM can defend mutliple positions. I do think the main factor in the improved D is Yogi. Earlier on the year I was really critical of him. He was getting beat left and right and seemed to only care about offense. His improved D has really brought him to a different level these days.

He still has a lot to learn, but I think Bryant has come a long way since beginning his freshman year. They all have. Part of that comes from the leadership with Yogi and guys taking responsibility. I really like that OG and Juwan Morgan are getting deserved time because they have proven they know how to defend. 

[bleedhoosier]

And that's why we are seeing Williams fade or be wildly inconsistent. He doesn't seem humble enough to be great from my couch . He's still running on athleticism.. as a junior..

To be honest, Williams needs to take notes from OG

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[JaybobHoosier]

Thanks for reading!! After the OT loss at Wisconsin, I'm glad this team was able to get back on the road and start off February with a win like this.

 

Exactly.  This was a very important victory for this team in more ways than just a W.  These guys needed this type of performance, and will be a big confidence boost.

[716e11th]

“The defense generates the offense,” Johnson said

The end.