Senior Verdell Jones connected on all four 3pt-attempts, leading IU with 17 points.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The pressure was on the Hoosiers to win on the road, something they have struggled with for the last three years. It’s all about the present IU Coach Tom Crean said after IU easily defeated Evansville 94-73.
Indiana got off to an early start, both offensively and defensively. It was one of those games where Indiana put together a full 40-minute effort.
The Hoosiers presented a balanced attack, with five players finishing in double-figures. Verdell Jones III paced IU with 17 points, including 4-for-4 from downtown.
Christian Watford put together a solid performance (15 points, eight rebounds) after a sluggish first two games. He let the game come to him. Watford shot 2-of-3 from 3-pt and also had a couple field goals in the paint.
This team was smiling postgame…and they should. There were doubters, and that will continue. IU’s performance was very encouraging and a similar effort needs to be brought each game.
There was lots of chatter on twitter and amongst the media about whether the first half was Indiana’s best in the Tom Crean era and I would have to agree. They limited Evansville to 35% from the field while shooting 60% themselves. They were flowing, moving the ball. It was a product basketball fans had to like.
Playing in front of a lot of hometown fans, Cody Zeller nearly finished with a double-double (14 points, nine rebounds). He missed just one shot in the game and benefited from his teammates hitting open shots.
The brand-new $127.5 million dollar Ford Center was sold-out for the second straight game. The Indiana faithful showed up to support their team in large numbers…and that certainly helped IU in a road game.
More thoughts to come..it’s a late night, and a long drive back to Bloomington.
Watch below for my postgame report from The Ford Center.