Coming into the game, both Indiana and Minnesota were searching for their first conference win. Despite playing their best basketball in Big Ten play, the Hoosiers fell to the Gophers Tuesday night at Williams Arena 67-63.
The game summary is a reoccurring theme this season, “The Hoosiers fought until the very end and had many bright points but couldn’t get it done.”
This was another duel in which the Hoosiers were the underdog and it would have been a huge confidence builder and statement for IU to pull off the win.
After being tied at seven, Indiana only scored one field goal for the next 12 minutes and 22 seconds. However it was the final 4:42 of the first half that propelled Indiana to a 32-26 lead at the break.
On that run, the Hoosiers outscored Minnesota 19-6 to close the half. Indiana thrived off their defense and knocked down shots on the other end.
Maurice Creek hit a three, Verdell Jones made a layup, Will Sheehey hit a three and a layup. The Hoosiers were rolling.
In the second half, the Gophers came out with all the energy. Minnesota used a 10-0 run to get back in the game which was fueled by 4 blocks by Trevor Mbakwe. He was a beast inside, not allowing any Hoosier baskets inside the paint.
Minnesota dominated the paint and outrebounded the Hoosiers 39 to 26. The Gophers are the best shot blocking team in the Big Ten and that was certainly evident.
Blake Hoffarber,who seems like he is in his tenth year of eligibility, just killed IU down the stretch. He nailed a three from beyond NBA range and another fade away as the shot clock expired. Hoffarber finished with a game-high 16 points.
The energy was there tonight which was fantastic to see. Jeremiah Rivers played some of his best minutes for the cream and crimson. He forced a couple steals, tallied a few assists and was active on defense. He even had a possible game winning steal in closing seconds before the official stepped in and whistled Jordan Hulls for a foul on a hustle play.
Christian Watford on the other hand had a rather sluggish performance. He was completely outmatched in size and was weak going against Mbakwe, and Sampson III. Watford finished with just four points on 2 of 13 shooting from the field. The Hoosiers need a lot more production from Watford.
Maurice Creek made his mark off the bench scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds. He shot just 3 of 7 from downtown but the confidence is slowly coming back. There was one instance where he had a contested layup but because he was hesitant, he passed it off.
Indiana shot 10 of 12 at the free throw line for an 83% clip. The percentage has to satisfy Coach Crean although the number attempts has to increase. IU also only turned the ball over six times.
I remain curious as to why freshman Will Sheehey didn’t make it off the bench in the second half. He and Oladipo each had seven points in the first half to lead the way. Sheehey made all three of his field goals and was relentless on defense.
I enjoyed listening to former Indiana player and coach Dan Dakich on the call Tuesday night on ESPN2. It was the first time I heard Dakich dissect an IU game. Dave O’Brien has great pipes and the duo is one of the most complete teams for the network.
Williams Arena, also known as The Barn was a non-factor in the first half. Yes, the students are still on winter break but Indiana did not allow the Gopher’s faithful to get until the second half. They really let their cheers be known with six minutes to play when Rodney Williams went in for a slam dunk.
Minnesota was without the services of junior guard Devoe Joseph. He is reportedly upset with head coach Tubby Smith and after talking with his family, has opted to transfer.
The Hoosiers return to action Sunday at Northwestern at 7 PM on the Big Ten Network.