Maurice Creek led four players in double figures with 16 points as Indiana won an exhibition, 95-67, over Division II St. Joseph’s Monday night in Assembly Hall.
Jeremiah Rivers and Verdell Jones added 15 points each and Christian Watford had 13 for the Hoosiers.
Thoughts from Indiana’s second exhibition game:
Creek looked more comfortable and was much more effective than he was against Grace. He was active on the glass, hit 4 of 5 attempts from the field, 7 of 8 from the foul line and didn’t commit a turnover. That’s efficiency.
Jones shot the ball well, but once again struggled with turnovers (5).
Jordan Hulls was uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball and committed five turnovers. Don’t expect many games like that from Hulls.
Rivers showed that he can be more than just a presence on defense. The Georgetown transfer had five assists and four rebounds to go with his 15 points. He had a couple of explosive moves to the basket and knocked down a couple of off-balance jump shots.
Watford, coming off a 19-point performance against Grace, turned in another solid effort. He always seems to be around the ball and he’s knocked down 16 of 17 free throws in the two exhibition games.
Bawa Muniru saw his first action in an IU uniform and scored seven points, grabbed two rebounds and had three blocks in eight minutes. He’s still a work in progress, but Bawa showed signs he’s capable of contributing down the road — if not sooner.
Derek Elston quietly worked his way to an eight point, eight rebound effort. Much like Watford, Elston has a nose for the ball and loves to compete.
Devan Dumes saw nine minutes of action — all in the second half — and didn’t appear to be 100%.
Indiana allowed 38 points in the paint, which is far too many against an undersized opponent like St. Joseph’s. Tom Crean won’t be happy with the uncontested shots IU allowed underneath the basket when he reviews the tape.
Indiana hit 32 of 46 free throws and out-rebounded St. Joe’s 45-39. However, the Hoosiers allowed 21 offensive rebounds.
Pick to Click winner: Maurice Creek (h09sier and jaywiz). Jeremiah Rivers was runner-up and Verdell Jones was third.
