It was a good ole’ fashion Indiana basketball game Sunday night in Assembly Hall. The Butler Bulldogs traveled south to Bloomington for a much anticipated in-state clash. After a defensive battle in the first half, Indiana (6-0) rolled in the second to remain undefeated, beating the Bulldogs (3-3) 75-59.
For Indiana, this was their first real challenge of the year. IU may have felt pressured to win — with more talent and experience compared to a new-look Butler squad — but they sure didn’t play like it.
Will Sheehey has played a big role for Indiana off the bench, and was named MVP of the Hoosier Invitational. (Photo via Herald-Times)
Sophomore Will Sheehey just gets better with every game. IU coach Tom Crean likes having Sheehey come off the bench to score and provide an energetic spark. He scored a game-high 21 points and added three rebounds, two steals and two assists.
“He didn’t force things, which was important tonight,” Tom Crean said of Sheehey postgame. “He’s had a really good week, he’s been locked in, and he’s coming off last week where he was good. He had his career twice and now he went over it. I’m proud of the way he is playing. He’s a very smart player, he’s cerebral but he’s very aggressive and he’s got an attack mentality and that came alive tonight.”
Cody Zeller also was tested for the first time in college going against 6-11 junior Andrew Smith. His demeanor continues to impress as competitiveness and struggles in-game never fazed the freshman. Zeller had a couple shots blocked and one turnover when he held the ball low. Brad Stevens recruited Zeller and liked his unselfishness.
“He is a very good player. He is a guy who can score around the rim and shoot…I think he is one of the most unselfish guys you can have come in and be a star.”
Indiana’s ability to get to the charity line is a goal they have accomplished in the young season. Coach Crean highlighted in the past they made their free throws but struggled getting to the line. Against Butler, the Hoosiers made more free throws than Butler attempted (29-36, for 81 percent.)
This game was a defensive struggle, one where both teams locked down defense and got the other team out of their comfort zone at times. Missing easy layups and put backs were especially a problem early for Indiana.
Offensively, the spacing and ball movement was excellent. It wasn’t impressive to see IU players pass up a good shot and pass to a teammate for a great shot. There was quick, efficient and quality ball movement.
Butler is still trying to feel each other out and play consistent. Although Ronald Nored is a veteran, they still seem to lack leadership on the floor. At times they were rattled, playing sloppy with the ball and turning it over 21 times. And more than anything, they are still developing the character of this team. Matt Howard was remarkable character guy with a lot of talent. As the underdog, Butler put up a fight for about 30 minutes but couldn’t withstand Indiana’s depth.
“I’m not big on losing,” Butler coach Brad Stevens said. “It is only a benefit if you change. It is an experience otherwise. There are some things we need to change whether it is personnel, lineups, focus, or attention to detail, we have to change. The season does not get any easier.”
The matchup had the feel and intensity of a postseason game, which will benefit both teams in the long run. Sunday night was what basketball in the state of Indiana is all about. There were bodies diving on the floor, hard-nosed in your face defense and an added intensity throughout the 40 minutes.
Although fans and students were wrapping up Thanksgiving break, Hoosier faithful brought it and were loud the entire game. It was the largest crowd of the season, an announced attendance of 17,265.
Indiana will face another important challenge Wednesday as travel to N.C. State for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.