– struggled with SSU’s athletic players’ quickness and length
  - struggled with guarding the dribble and SSU’s ability to penetrate
  - struggled with controlling the game’s tempo  - barely out rebounded SSU 31/30  – SSU had 14 second chance points/ IU had 12 second chance points  – our “lock-down defender” played only 17 minutes and had 4 fouls
 
  + 29 point victory
  + got better as game progressed with guarding the dribble and with regaining control of tempo
  + 57% field goal shooting, 50% from 3′s
  + 95.7% free-throw rate
  + 16 assists
  + 27 points off turnovers
  + IU kept doing what they do best and pulled away
  + balanced scoring
  + bench contributed 29 points
 
 
CTC said post-game that team had several banged-up players and that Medical Staff should get the game ball, so maybe that explains a few of the problems. They were a bit sloppy and seemed off at times. But, every team has a game like that and they’ll get better as a result.

Some good individual efforts tonight. Didn’t look as sharp as a team, however, but I think there was plenty to pleased with. Ready for another big win on Monday, then some true tests on the horizon for the Hoosiers. 

This team’s depth was on display tonight. Although 65 of the team’s pts were scored by the starting 5, the bench played a significant role in the victory. Elston and Sheehey did their thing, also nice to see Abell, Etherington, Roth, Moore and The Pritch get some significant playing time. Talk about having some options. Lovin it.

Derek Elston continues his solid play, 14 of 20 FGs this season. What a remarkable turnaround so far this year. Playing his role to the fullest, taking advantage of every minute he gets to play and letting the game come to him. Every time he shoots, you think it’s going in.

Not enough playing time under the belt.

are we ranked #30 on Pomeroy because we are playing weak teams?

We all look at rankings of players coming out of high school. In fact, I think we spend way too much time on that collectively, worrying about players who may not even come to IU, etc.

But next time you get all excited at an IU get (or disapointed, respectively at an IU not get), remember this:

Where were Sheehey and Oladipo on the top 100 lists?

Where would they be now if people went back and re-rated everyone in their classes at the time? Probably much higher – maybe even much much higher.

Shows that those ratings are not always right.

Shows that hard work can make a real difference.

May suggest that out of state players don’t hit their potential as much as in-state players (meaning perhaps that they have a higher ceiling in some cases?)

Show that character counts. Those are high character guys who want to succeed – and will.

And shows a good eye by Crean and staff.

I find it funny to say that in a 29 point blowout IU really didn’t play that great. I suppose that says something for where they may be heading. I felt that the team speed of Sav St really gave IU problems. They played pretty good “D” for most of the game but the fouls were a problem. One thing is for sure; really, really, really happy Cody chose to come to IU cuz man he’s great! I suppose I’ll take a 29 point win!

I seen several things in this game that I did not see in last year’s team. First and foremost of course is the improved play we have in the middle. What a difference a presence in the middle makes let alone an athletic one with good hands and that can run the floor. It shows what could have possibly been if Mo had not gotten hurt again and GMM had not been ruled ineligible. Take this team and add a healthy Mo and GMM with a year of experience behind him to it and all of a sudden we are able to pretty much play with just about anyone and are at least two more quality players deeper. It also shows us that Crean has had a very good plan and if not for these unpreventable and unforeseen things would have us even more competitive this year than are now.

When we got in a little bit of foul trouble, we not only had the depth to be able to withstand it, but did not have a big drop off when we went to the bench because of it. I know it’s only Sav. St. but we, for the most part, was not able to do that last year even against a team like them without having quite the drop off. Next year there will be even less of a drop off if any when the Movement moves onto campus.

When CZ went out and we were back to the players that got most of the minutes last year we didn’t seem to struggle as much as we did last year. This is probably due to WS & VO making the progress that they did over the summer and DE not being injured plus our D & ball movement just looks better than last year even when last year’s players are on the floor.

DE is giving us more of what we seen at the end of his freshman year, a whole lot more, and it seems to be making a big difference. He also seems to be playing under control a lot better than he did last year.

Agree with you 100%.  And I’d add to your list – shows that player development (coaching) counts, too.

+ Very happy we had a game a like this against a team that has alot of quickness, team speed, and athleticism like a Kentucky coming up in the near future.

+ A concern would be looking ahead is who will Hulls guard in games like this…Victor vs Teague Hulls vs Who?

+ The best way to describe Elston’s game now is controlled and solid. He doesn’t rush anything, takes the open shot, and just plays like an upperclassmen.

+ This will be a pick your poison team. Clamping down on Zeller free’s up shooters, Watford, VJ3, Victor, or Will could at any point and time go off for 20+…..Elston off the bench is another threat

+ Give Remy time, you will love him, just like Victor

+ Victor and Will combined…avg 25ppg and 10 rebounds is what I read. WOW

+ Love the defensive wrinkle with 3/4 quarter court 2-1-2 press.

At least it was above the belt.

I think some tempo issues could be chalked up to constant referee interruption.

I’m looking forward to seeing the increased understanding from CWat that he’s not the only scorer on the floor anymore.

Would like to see Sheehey grab a few more rebounds. He looked a little tired/out of sorts in this game. Maybe he wasn’t feeling well…

Was hoping we’d have a chance to get Remy and AE more involved – I think we’re spoiled by Cody who has been ready for college basketball since last year – remember that for MOST freshmen it takes awhile to adjust to the college game – good to see them getting into the action early – I think it’ll take a few more games before they are more consistent contributors . . . but it’ll come.

The best part is that we don’t need them to contribute significantly at this point, which is nice after 3 years of that . . .

One thing that makes Cody Zeller a great player is his maturity.  It is rare to see him force shots or passes.  When he takes those cheap, hard fouls, he doesn’t respond.  He just keeps playing.  He just changes everything for this team.  When he is on the floor, this team looks like they can take anyone.  When he’s not, they do not look quite as good.

I love the way Cody’s emotions are the same no matter what happens . He puts his hard hat on and just goes to work. I am completely impressed with Mr. Zeller .

He’ll be fine !

I think the fact that no one has made a big deal over Pritch’s dunk says volumes about how we fans see this team in a different light.

All good points.

I understand your point, but I totally disagree. You can get hurt anywhere at any time (like poor Mo Creek walking down his stairs at home). You play to win, to work on growing as a team, and only pull a player if they have an injury or need to rest up for the next game (and as a good sport in a blow-out).

Interesting. Counting rebounds must be a tricky affair. The stat sheet I printed out said 35-35 in rebounds last night.

Good analysis…lot of “teachable moments” for Crean in that game..sloppy a good adjective. With Hulls and Cody both on the bench int he first half..the offense reverted to standing around the perimeter for too long. Great to see improved FT shooting..ball movement that creates them…and much more effort on defense. Wat’s gonna have problems against a quicker opponet..but his offense is coming around. Nobody is a ball hog..and they seem to enjoy running and moving the ball..boy is THAT different.

I actually like Remy running point better than Moore..as long as he doesn’t shoot anything but layouts. The lad has a really bad stroke.

IU Athletics Official Basketball Box Score and Gametracker both had IU with 31 and Savannah with 30. I’ve seen other games though where different sources had different numbers for rebounds. Either way, 31/30 or 35/35, IU should be able to do better against a team capped at 6’8″. It certainly didn’t affect the outcome of this game and I imagine rebounding will improve as the season continues.

I agree and add; they need to play as a team for 40 mins. The minute the team gets comfortably (12 points or more) ahead certain players start forcing shots looking to pad their numbers. I still don’t see players devoted to the ‘team’ concept and that rest squarely with CTC. Willy Neally play can work against the ‘cupcake teams’ but it won’t during Big Ten season. There were periods of team play, and as always, any win is a good win, GO IU!!