The first half atmosphere was everything and more that was expected in Bloomington. Students were as loud as could be, there were signs galore, and there wasn’t an empty seat in the building. Hoosiers lead No. 1 Kentucky 30-29.
The game got pushed back ten minutes by ESPN but that didn’t stop Hoosier fans from continuing to cheer for their teams during warm-up and also yell across the way to Kentucky players.
Doron Lamb buried a corner three for the first first basket of the game. From there it would be back and forth.
Fortunately for IU, Kentucky missed a couple layups that could have gotten a run started. Marquis Teague and Anthony Davis failed to finish around the rim, sometimes without a defender.
All this week, Coach Tom Crean made a big deal about UK’s length and it was obvious from the start. UK players were getting plenty of deflections, getting their hand on the ball. IU had a handful of balls stripped away by active Wildcat defenders.
Turnovers were a problem early for Indiana, giving it away six times in the first five minutes (at half they had 11). Indiana played at Kentucky’s quick-tempo and didn’t do a bad job. The pace was absolutely ridiculous which was the reason for so many turnovers. Kentucky turned it over 13 times.
Halfway through the first half, the game was tied at 10.
Daniel Moore came off the bench and played a few minutes to give Jordan Hulls a breather. At first, it’s questionable decision. But when you think about it further, he’s an irritating guy that will get in the head of freshman Marquis Teague of Kentucky. Teague is selfish, young and mentality weak. Teague knows he is so much better that it’s almost a joke having Moore guard him.
Over the final eight minutes, it was IU’s defense that impressed the most. I think they finally got settled down after such build up and comfortable in the environment. Remember, many key players for IU haven’t played in a rowdy atmosphere like this where there is such hatred.
Just before the end of the first half, the Hoosiers stood up defensively, and hit free throws to go on a 16-2 run. Coach Cal called a timeout, and UK finished the half on a 7-0 run to cut the IU lead to one.
Getting it inside to Cody Zeller more is crucial for the Hoosiers, as he has been able to sustain a tough Kentucky defense. His mental toughness is incredible, to handle this type of game as an 18 year-old.
Assembly Hall was absolutely rockin’ for pregame and the first 20 minutes. We’ll see if IU and their faithful can keep it up for another 20.