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Game Thread: Indiana @ Ohio State

by Alex Bozich in Game Threads | February 10th, 2008

matta.jpgOpponent: Ohio State

Date: Sunday, February 10, 2008 | 1:06 p.m. EST

Arena: Value City Arena (19,049) – Columbus, Ohio

Line: Ohio State by 2.5

All-time series: Indiana leads 99-72

Previous meeting: Ohio State won 74-67 on January 2, 2007 in Columbus

TV: CBS (Kevin Harlan and Clark Kellogg)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Todd Leary and Joe Smith)

Probable Starters:

  • Indiana (19-3, 8-1 Big Ten): Armon Bassett, Eric Gordon, Jamarcus Ellis, Lance Stemler, D.J. White
  • Ohio State (16-7, 7-3 Big Ten): Jamar Butler, David Lighty, Evan Turner, Othello Hunter , Kosta Koufos

Game Notes (Adobe Reader required to view):

Gameday reading:

As always, your predictions and analysis are welcome in the game thread.

Tags:
  • FYI: It's on CBS, not ESPN.
  • Thanks, forgot to update that from the Illinois game.
  • CB in OR
    The basketball God smiles upon us!! NO Billy Packer! WOOO HOOO!!!
  • HoosierSmitty
    Hopefully we can ride some momentum from the Illinois win, as brutally ugly as it was. Ohio State might be a better team than Illinois, but the environment will not be nearly as hostile. I'd like to make the trip to Bloomington on Wednesday with a couple of tough road wins under our belt.

    This is the toughest Big Ten competition we've seen all year. Frankly, I'm nervous
  • Matt
    Why isnt basset starting
  • dizzydee
    I wish Gus Johnson was calling the game.
  • Matt
    One of my Favorites
  • Kevin
    Whoa, we're actually putting our hands up and playing with some energy on the defensive end.
  • Disco Briscoe
    Whats wrong with Ellis and Bassett?
  • Matt
    Probably sending a message or they did something that he didnt want tyo start them... Bc i cant imagine him being mad at Ellis after his 12 rebound game
  • I actually liked the change in starting lineup. Mix things up a bit and get a boost off the bench with Armon and Ellis.
  • ALH_00
    Really liking the ball movement today...taking care of the basketball and getting open looks. Fun to watch.
  • ALH_00
    jinx...two turnovers
  • Might have spoken too soon. Sloppy play these last few possessions.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Other than those two poor possessions with the shot clock winding down, we're actually playing good basketball so far.
  • Kevin
    Stemler has had 3 wide open 3's and bricked all of them.
  • HoosierSmitty
    That's because Stemler sucks....don't worry..he'll hit at least one...likely in a clutch moment, causing people to think he's actually NOT THAT BAD...when in reality....he's basically worthless.
  • Tom
    agree. i don't know stemler thinks he should be shooting 3's.
  • Chris
    I didn't think that a ball that rattled in and out was a brick. However, I do like the the ball movement and passing to the cutters. JE is doing a great job of getting to the hoop.
  • Nice of Clark Kellog or Kevin Harlan to even mention that 2 starters aren't starting.
  • Wow, I'm having fun watching us play offense. And defense! Something's wrong.
  • HoosierSmitty
    That stuff on the out of bounds play is why I continue to question Sampson's coaching ability. After a timeout, after halftime...we just seem like we get outcoached...drawn up plays, overall game plan, etc...it just seems like Sampson doesn't have it together with this team.
  • Disco Briscoe
    Just like having Davis!
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I don't remember who it was, but one of the OSU bloggers thought a key to the game was that DJ White can't jump. Which baffled me for two reasons, first because he most definitely can, and second because even if he couldn't it hasn't stopped him from averaging 17.5 and 10.5 per game. So it's nice to see DJ gobbling up every rebound and picking up a block, you know basically doing what he does every game.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    TUO is living up to his name on transition offense. But I don't want to be too hard on him, because he is really active in this zone defense.
  • What a move by Crawford.
  • Can someone get Mike White's coat?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    TUO!!!!! What an incredible spin move!!!
  • He seemed to enjoy that!
  • Tom
    dj is a beast. that guy will be missed dearly next year.
  • Kevin
    I just realized there hasn't been a free-throw this half for either team.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Finish if off DJ!
  • Kevin
    Lets just act like that oop to DJ from Crawford was intentional.
  • Best half of the Big Ten season? Of the year?

    I think so.
  • Tom
    agreed! we actually look like a team today!
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Definitely the best half of the calendar year or Big Ten play. How about the Hoosiers repeat that feat in about 15 minutes.
  • TheMiz
    Yes. I have yet to feel like this during a game since the Hoosiers were winning games by 45. Normally its a cycle between holding my breath and cursing for 2 hours, and, somehow being able to take a sigh of relief at the end of the game 19 times to date.

    Let's keep it up Hoosiers.

    P.S. - D.J. is an absolute beast. If he's not a first team All-American this year something is horribly wrong.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    DJ again just before halftime! I think he has a double-double at halftime! Can anyone check me on that?
  • HoosierSmitty
    Yes CBSSportsline.com says he does.
  • ALH_00
    12 pts. 10 boards?
  • Matt
    12 annd 10, so yes
  • What a pleasant surprise. Great half and that's the best we've looked in a while.

    Hope it continues into the second half. Gotta expect that Ohio State will make a run.
  • b_side
    Couldn't agree more. Both teams in zone defense played right into our hands. More specifically, DJ's hands. They haven't put a body on him yet.

    Questions for the 2nd half:

    Will Matta switch it up?
    Will the Buckeyes keep gunning from downtown?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    It's strange to say that the zone played into DJ's hands, because zones usually hope to clog up the middle. But zones also leave rebounds to be gathered, especially OSU's high trapping zone, and that does play right to DJ's strength on the glass. He is gobbling up everything.
  • Just great to see our confidence on offense, and some energy on defense.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Channel 8 is going to go out of their way to show the softer side of a controversial coach? What would Coach Knight or Coach Davis say to that? "Where was my 'nice guy' special when I was in Bloomington?"
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I love Crawford at the top of our zone defense. He's active, he gets his hands up, he really sets the tone on that end of the court, where the Hoosiers played well in the first half.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Great 1st Half, I agree. We actually look like a team today. Awesome job by DJ White on the boards. Let's keep this going.

    2nd Half Concerns:

    1. Ohio State continues to get open looks at 3s. Yes we're aggressive on defense, which has caused some turnovers, but we need to recover on their shooters.

    2. Gordon being content to shoot 3s. Gordon needs to get to the hoop. I don't want to see him just settle in behind the arc and throw up bombs. The two times he drove in the first half, fouls were called. Penetrate when the opportunity is there, draw fouls, get to the line, dish to DJ, etc.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    On your point number 2, I disagree. With OSU playing this trapping zone, EJ penetrating would be looking for offensive fouls and turnovers. We've had great ball movement on offense. If the Hoosiers keep that up there are worse outcomes of a possession than an Eric Gordon three.
  • brosallman
    D.J. keeps moving up that 1st round. 20/20 game looks possible.
  • kelin
    Clark Kellog is officially my favorite announcer...hopefully packer has the surgery dicky v had and is out til 2009

    Maybe EJ could take some ball handling tips from Jordan....the kid has game....
    Best half of the season....I am feeling better. DJ is lottery....hint pacers!
    I won't comment on KS offensive schemes at this time, I think I have made myself clear....folks we are officially a ZONE team......

    Bob is not happy..........
  • I realize it's against a zone, but our movement and passing has been great. We've been baseline screening quite a bit. Seems like KS is improving.
  • One complaint, in retrospect, we've got Ellis/Crawford taking that mid-range too much. DJ has absoultely been a man, if he gets neutralized we coudl be in trouble.

    On the Wisco game thread, i hinted that we haven't really seen this team like each other...like a team like Duke does. End of the first half provided that moment for me. Anyone think Taber getting clock and contributing has helped this team gel? Made people relax and realize we become successful when people do their jobs and nothing extra? Great to see a guy like Big D, whose minutes have been taken become that "high five" guy off the bench and smiling.
  • Am I the only one who never gets tired of the "IU is Red Hot" commercials?
  • Jerry
    Finally

    1. active zone
    2. Gordon kicking to others for a change
    3. More than one guy dribble driving and not always to the hoop
    4. DJ an animal

    Real nice team improvement except I still hate it when we hold the ball at the point and stare at the other 4 players
  • brucew
    What happened to the babes. Rather see them than an ugly coach
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I really think the key to that first half (you know, besides DJ) were those back-to-back possessions where Ellis cut to the basket, got a pass, and laid it in. Those plays completely shocked OSU's confidence on defense. Before then they were eager to trap and cause turnovers, after that they were terrified of the easy lay in. Really changed their defensive mind set, which is to our favor.
  • Kevin
    If Koufos starts to make some from deep we could be in trouble.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Dang, OSU really figured out where the basket was during halftime. We need to beat back this storm of made shots.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Did EJ not have a lay in on that play?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    BS call. OSU knocked that away from Ellis. Bull!
  • Tom
    i am so tired of seeing lance getting thrown around like a rag doll.
  • Is it bush league of OSU to guard the inbound after play was stopped to help up a ref who was knocked over by their player?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Tcha, it's the Big Ten and they really want this win at home. Although I did get a laugh from looking at the play in perspective to Thursday and realizing someone thought it was bush league.
  • I agree. Just asking the question, wasn't saying it was.

    OSU is certainly no Team From The State To The West.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Yes, I failed to realize the comment was in the form of a question.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Yeah, nice run to quell the Buckeye threat.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Taber!
  • TABER!
  • I love us hitting the boards.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    There was no need for that, EJ. Pass it around, make their defense shift, then drive when there is an opening.
  • I think that was a case of going to the well one too many times. It worked on the previous several possessions.

    EJ seems to do that sometimes, get in a rut. I think he should be subbed out a LITTLE more frequently because I think watching the game would help a student of the game like him.
  • kelin
    CLark "freakin" Kellog....line of the year....

    Jordan Crawford has a lot in his bookbag! Clark must bleed basketball...I love that guy..

    EJ for all I love about him....He is either 25ft out or 1ft in....he needs to play in between. There was no reason to push off, just stop and pop son....!
  • HoosierSmitty
    7 feet tall and shooting 3s....ugh...
  • SanDiegoIUfan
    Nice, EJ drawing a foul on the drive. He should be doing that every other possession.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I am shocked that I am typing these words, but Crawford should be in their instead of Ellis. Crawford is playing confidently and creatively with solid defense. Ellis is playing bad d as usual and forcing plays on offense.
  • Disco Briscoe
    Is Tabar hurt or just slow. He cant play that bottom wing on D.
  • Kevin
    Unfortunately I think he's just slow.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    He has bad knees, if you notice he wears a brace on one of them. But who should be in there? Thomas? Mike White? Taber is doing a good enough job in there.
  • Rather have someone slow who is focused on getting after every board and knows how to pass.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Okay, 8 min timeout. I want to see us come out in man-to-man. OSU has been moving the ball well and hitting shots. The Hoosiers need to change it up on defense to knock they out of their rhythm.
  • kelin
    Does anyone have any knowledge or guess as to why McGhee NEVER gets any minutes? Is he that horrible in practice?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    From what I've seen this year, he has no idea how to play defense and is more crazy on offense than TUO.
  • I read something from a KS press conference that he wants McGee to focus on playing wing. Not a lot of opportunties on this team right now for that.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    DJ's midrange shot is really off today, otherwise this would be a double-digit lead.
  • Luckily his 1 inch and in game seems sparkling today. Airball by KK...DJ in his head?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Hell yes! Ellis to DJ with the monster finish and the foul. Put it on a a poster!
  • SanDiegoIUfan
    Yeah that was beautiful!! Definitely got me out of my seat.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Bull! That should have been an offensive foul! If that was EJ driving it would have gone the other way.
  • I'm probably Stemler's biggest fan, but that was a dumb shot. He should find bench for that one.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Shot clock was at 2.
  • Aha.
  • SanDiegoIUfan
    Why isn't DJ posting anybody up? The one on one game isn't working.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Because OSU plays a zone defense. Rare posting opportunities against it.
  • SanDiegoIUfan
    It looked like we had them pretty well spread out, but I see what you're saying.
  • For the continued evolution of the human race, in accordance with Darwin's Survival of the Fittest, DJ should be legally obliged to father all future humans.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I'm not against that, but I can still get laid right?
  • Perhaps some sort of sterilization program should be instituted for us lesser men.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Yes, and then adopt a DJ Jr. who will make millions in the Association. This plan is coming together excellently.
  • We should be on Mars in 2025 for sure.
  • Puck Furdue
    LOL where was the call on hunter shoving for that rebound????
  • Looks like DJ got a head start on this, he's been making that Koufus kid call him "Daddy" all game...
  • Hoosier_Hound
    I got a good laugh on that one.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Damn you Crawford. Bassett was wide open for three and you just threw up a wild shot on that drive.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Believe it or not Bassett shot that when Crawford was open. Can anyone remember that last time Bassett did something dumb though?
  • SanDiegoIUfan
    Oh nice, we got bailed out by that walk! I didn't like how things were going for a minute.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Wow, great help defense by Crawford to cause the turnover. Didn't look like TUO on that play. Crucial, crucial and he came up big.
  • kelin
    This is where KS offensive coaching pisses me off...why are we running the shot clock down, then a high post screen against a zone....run what has been working.....geez it is not that hard. I know he didn't want a fade away 3 but what do you expect......work the middle the baseline........do SOMETHING
  • Love us taking the clock down, but can't we dump to DJ with 8 on the shot clock and let him make a move or kick if he gets doubled? Doesn't that seem like a higher percentage play?
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Look at the ball movement. Beautiful.
  • Hoosier_Hound
    Crawford looking as cool as the other side of the pillow.
  • Puck Furdue
    HUGE win. great job by the Hoosiers today.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Pretty solid game overall. I didn't have to rant and rave and foam at the mouth for once.

    Nice win Hoosiers. Two HUGE road wins in this 5 game stretch. Now it's time to protect home court.
  • ALH_00
    It hasn't felt this good since the Iowa win. Not flashy, but a solid victory. Can we lower the age for presidency. I'd vote for DJ in November. He's got some experience taking over foreign territories.
  • HoosierSmitty
    Crawford had 8 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 0 turnovers, and 3 steals....WOW....maybe he's matured! He took a poor shot here and there and his shooting percentage reflected that, but that's a great stat line....very Ellis-like...heck...0 turnovers makes it better than a typical Ellis stat line.
  • Matt
    Love the lineup of Basset, Crawford, Gordon, Ellis, White... Bring Lance, Taber, White, DeAndre off the bench... Ellis can bring a big body out of the lane which frees up DJ and he can take a bigger guy off the dribble and slash hard leaving his defender behind him. It puts gordon at the corners in the NEW 2-3 zone that sampson seems to like with this young team, and keeps gordon out of foul trouble although he had 4. THOUGHTS???
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