Opponent: UNC-Pembroke (Exhibition)

Date: Saturday, November 10, 2007 | 8:06 EST

Arena: Assembly Hall (17,456) – Bloomington, Indiana

TV: Big Ten Network; Radio: IU Radio Network

Kelvin Sampson’s alma mater, UNC Pembroke, will provide the final tuneup for the Hoosiers in the exhibition season. The Braves dropped their first exhibition contest, 76-41, on Tuesday at North Carolina State.

IU is coming off a 121-76 win last Sunday against North Alabama. Freshman Jordan Crawford scored 30 points in his debut and Eric Gordon added 24. If you include the exhibition games in the Bahamas in early September, Gordon is averaging 26.5 points thus far in a Hoosier uniform.

One thing to watch is how the Hoosiers come out of the gate. Coach Sampson was not pleased with the defensive effort in the first half against North Alabama. I expect, as should you, to see an improved start on the defensive end of the floor. We all know this team can score, but can they guard anybody? As with the first exhibition, post your comments here in the game thread. No live blogging this evening, but we’ll have thoughts, quotes and reaction following the game.

Not even a chipped front tooth could stop Eric Gordon from turning in an outstanding debut as the freshman scored 24 points to lead No. 9 Indiana to a 121-76 win over North Alabama Sunday afternoon at Assembly Hall.

Gordon was hit inadvertently by North Alabama guard Kenny Johnson with 17:25 left in the second half and was forced to leave the game. He returned at the 11:55 mark sporting a mouthpiece, but the injury seemed to have no effect on his play. Gordon was 10 of 16 from the floor in 32 minutes.

Jordan Crawford came off the bench to lead the Hoosiers in scoring, totaling 30 points in 22 minutes. Crawford was 10 of 11 from the field, including 6 of 6 from three-point range. Armon Bassett also turned in a stellar effort as he scored 18 points and had five assists.

(more…)

North Alabama @ Indiana (Exhibition)

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Assembly Hall (17,456) – Bloomington, Indiana

TV: Big Ten Network; Radio: IU Radio Network

The Hoosiers open exhibition play with the Lions, a Division II team led by former Kelvin Sampson assistant Bobby Champagne. Champagne is entering his fifth season with North Alabama. North Alabama finished 15-14 last season and returns two back court starters. Quinn Beckwith is their top returning player. The 6′0″, 185 pound guard averaged 15.2 points a year ago and will anchor the North Alabama offense. You can read more about the North Alabama program by clicking here.

As a part of our Game Thread/Live Blog, you’re encouraged to share your thoughts on the game in the comments section. For those of you unable to see the game, we’ll be providing commentary and feedback throughout the contest.

(more…)