Huge road win doubles as Crean’s first over Purdue

After more than three years, seemingly countless road losses and exactly zero victories over the Purdue Boilermakers, IU’s 78-61 win over Purdue felt like it was a long time coming.

Indiana controlled much of the game, playing from start to finish with an ‘edge’ that Coach Tom Crean singles out and calls for on a regular basis. In any rivalry game, that ‘edge’ is customary and both teams seemed to have it in spades, especially in the early going. Numerous possessions on both ends of the floor featured players from both teams hitting the hardwood for a loose ball, and nearly every possession in the first half boasted consistently tight defense from both sides.

But despite the fact that both teams appeared to play with plenty of toughness, Purdue’s coach, Matt Painter had no difficulty explaining which team was better and played harder throughout the night.

“They (The Hoosiers) were quicker to the ball and about everything else,” he said. “To me it looked like it meant more to them. I thought they were more engaged. It would have been a shame if we had made a run at the end there because they deserved to win the game. They were tougher, quicker and just deserved to win.”

The Boilermakers on the court also noticed the toughness and quickness that the Hoosiers exhibited. Robbie Hummel and Lewis Jackson – fifth and fourth year seniors respectively – were noticeably broken up about the game’s result, but praised Indiana’s effort, toughness and maturity.

“That’s been a team that’s been at the bottom,” said Jackson. “You see the toughness and maturity of a team coming together like that and you take your hat off to them.”

The toughness and maturity that Jackson referenced was evident for much of the game on both ends of the court, but was especially apparent on defense. Indiana’s perimeter D held the Boilermakers to 0-11 shooting from beyond the three-point arc in the 1^st half and caused Purdue to struggle in setting up its offense – they ended up shooting worse than 30% from the floor and connected on only five of 21 threes.

Despite solid all-around play, The Boilermakers made a run in the second half, cutting IU’s lead to four points. With the score 65-61, Lewis Jackson took the ball on the fast break and drove hard to the rim for a layup that would have made for a one-possession game. Will Sheehey would have none of it. In a game defined by defense, he made the play of the night – an athletic, chasedown block that returned possession to the Hoosiers. Purdue would not threaten again.

“There are watershed moments in game that you can point to,” Crean admitted after the game. “And that block was one of them… big picture things like defense and rebounding are all big parts, but that block was a major part of the game.”

Just like that, Crean and his Indiana team had pulled out a gritty road win with the toughness, defense and rebounding that he had preached before each previous contest with Purdue – something that Painter alluded to when asked what made this game different from games that the two teams had played in previous years.

“They won,” he said.

Indeed, Coach Painter. Indeed.

Hoosiers prevail without A-game but with toughness

If forced to draw up an ideal game outline for this IU squad, it’s unlikely that anyone who has spent any time watching the Hoosiers this season would put together something resembling Saturday’s performance at Mackey Arena. Indiana entered the game second in the country in 3pt% and they shot three of 10. The Hoosiers had shot a shade under 50% from the floor on the season. They shot 41% against Purdue.

For a team that had struggled – certainly recently – to close out games against B1G competition, IU’s Saturday performance was both impressive and encouraging because they managed to win without playing the type of up-tempo, free-flowing basketball that had led to much of their success throughout the season. Instead of relying on gaudy shooting percentages and easy fast break points, the Hoosiers utilized the toughness and grit that some fans had begun to believe had departed. Purdue’s Lewis Jackson referenced IU’s mental makeup as a source of much of their success over the course of the game.

IU's defense made life tough for the Boilermaker offense. Courtesy of the Herald Times

“I think they were just composed,” he said. “(Indiana) stayed composed and they just played tough. They just executed pretty well and that’s what it came down to.”

That toughness was best exemplified by the free throw and rebounding disparities between the two teams. The Hoosiers made 35 trips to the foul line compared to the Boilers’ 20, and also won the rebounding battle 44-30. Crean enjoyed how his team performed on the glass and said as much after the game.

“We were committed to the glass, like you need to be when you play a good team like Purdue,” he said matter-of-factly. “It was not for the faint-hearted inside the lane… no question (rebounding) was a big part of the win.”

As pleased as Crean was, Matt Painter seemed equally irritated with his team’s inability to match the intensity that the Hoosiers showed, particularly at getting to the basket.

“They were more aggressive,” he said. “They were going (to the basket) to score, I thought we had a couple guys scared, trying to get fouled… you’ve got to take on the whole situation. Indiana did a good job of that.”

Not surprisingly, IU’s freshman big man Cody Zeller found himself in the middle of several bone-jarring plays in the paint. Midway through the first half, he had still not corralled a single rebound and was being effectively contained by the Boiler defense. As the game wore on though, he found his groove, finishing with 16 points and 8 rebounds. After the game, he expanded on the keys to Indiana’s victory despite a less than optimal performance.

“We knew we had to bring the toughness to compete on the road and compete at Mackey and we did all the little things it takes to win on the road,” he said. “I think we definitely had that toughness earlier in the year and we had kind of gotten away from it when we were losing but we did a pretty nice job tonight at getting it back.”

When the shots weren’t falling, when Purdue made their runs and when the game’s result was in doubt, the Hoosiers held tough. In one of the most hostile environments they’ve faced, they proved that when they have that toughness, they’re a tough team to beat.

Victory without Verdell

One of tonight’s more compelling storylines was the absence of Verdell Jones III, the senior guard who suffered a badly bruised shoulder in the first half against Michigan and was unable to play against Purdue. Jones has his share of detractors, but against Purdue’s constant ball pressure and with less experienced guards as alternatives, conventional wisdom stated that he would have been a nice asset to have. Fortunately for Indiana, Jones’ backcourt mates raised their level of play.

Victor Oladipo played a starring role in Jones’ absence, notching career high 23 points, adding eight rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes of play. Oladipo’s biggest contribution though may have come not on the offensive end but on defense, as he was the man assigned to guard Lewis Jackson for most of the night and pestered him into a 1-10 shooting performance.

“His defense got his offense going and that’s the bottom line with most players,” Crean said of Oladipo. “When it comes to energy and explosiveness, you’re going to get it on both ends if you bring it at the highest level on the other end.”

Oladipo was humble when asked about his play.

“We did a good job today, (several teammates) had great games,” he said. “I knew I had to be confident, patient and make the right decisions and I think I did a good job of that today.”

Also playing a starring role was the freshman Remy Abell. Abell – who had played double figure minutes in only two conference games – played a career-high 19 minutes and scored a career-high 13 points, including a three-pointer from the corner that turned out to be the dagger.

Remy Abell in his debut at Mackey. Courtesy of The Purdue Exponent

“He made a big shot,” Robbie Hummel said afterward. “We were playing for the drive and he made a B1G play, hats off to him.”

Abell shot five of six from the floor and, at times, was Indiana’s most dependable offensive player. For a freshman to make so much of his first significant playing time is substantial, a development not lost on Crean.

“Remy built on what he did the other night against Michigan and he’s learning to play to not only the talent level that he has but also how the game has to be played, and I thought he did some very good things.”

As for Remy’s take on his situation, he’s keeping his goals and expectations manageable.

“I just wanted to come in and step up,” he said. “When I’m on the bench I’m always ready so that when (Coach Crean) calls my name I can make an impact.”

Verdell Jones’ health for Indiana’s next game against Illinois will likely dictate what that impact will be, but for the meantime, it appears that young Remy Abell may very well have a place in the Hoosier rotation.

New England was able to outlast Baltimore in the AFC Championship as Billy Cundiff missed a late field goal. However, the Patriots faced a huge scare in what has been a hot topic of conversation on the week leading up to the Super Bowl.  During the AFC Championship, tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered an ankle injury, but was able to finish the game.

Gronkowski was forced into a walking boot for a few days. On Super Bowl media day, Gronkowski had removed the boot and was asked if he would be available for Sunday’s game. Gronkowski repeatedly stated that he and the organization was taking it “day by day,” according to ESPN.com. Gronkowski has been a major part of New England’s offense as he set the record for the most touchdowns (17) in a season by a tight end.

The Patriots are hoping to turn their fortunes around from four years ago when the Giants ended their perfect season.

Eli Manning is looking to get his second Super Bowl victory, which would surpass his brother Peyton and put him into an elite company of quarterbacks. There are some similarities and differences between the two teams from ’07 and this year. The Giants still have a tough defense that is peaking at the right time. Despite the low regular-season stats, the Giants defense has been extremely improved this year.

One major difference for this year’s Giants team is the receiving core. The Giants have had stellar play from Victor Cruz to help them advance to the Super Bowl.

They have several solid receivers including Cruz, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks, making it difficult for opposing defenses to cover them all. The major difference for this year’s Patriots team from the last is the tight end play in their offense.

The Patriots have always had a top offense in recent years, but the great play from Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski has made them the best tight end tandem in the league. However, with Gronkowski’s health in question, the Patriots may have to adjust their game plan.

The biggest questions of this Super Bowl will be how the Patriots will defend the Giants receiving core and also how the Patriots will keep Tom Brady protected against the great Giants pass rush. New England turned the ball over four times in their Week 9 meeting. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick must figure out a way to cut down on turnovers, because this Giants team has been efficient on capitalizing on opponents turnovers this postseason.

Super Bowl XLVI will be a great event capped off by what should be an epic showdown by the two best teams of the 2011-12 season.

Although the Patriots have a great team, the Giants are just a much more balanced squad. With a dynamic receiving core that creates a dangerous offense, to a stout defense that has proved itself in the playoffs, Eli and company are poised to get their second Super Bowl title in five years. I have the Giants prevailing in a close game, 24-17.

One week after running a disappointing 3,000 meters, Andy Bayer put himself right back on top of the NCAA leaderboards.

Bayer posted a time of 3:58.23 in the mile, which not only is the fastest mile in the NCAA, it’s also the fastest mile run by an American this year.

Bayer was relieved after the race, as he was coming off a discouraging performance at the Gladstein Invitational. Bayer also said he believes that a faster time is in store as his racing legs develop, and the competition grows.

“ Last week was definitely kind of frustrating,” Bayer said. “Coming out of this week I feel like I’m where I thought I was, and I’m ready to move forward.”

Coach Ron Helmer was also pleased to see his best runner get back on track.

“It was really good,” Helmer said. “I could see him relax a little bit.”

Coming into his career at Indiana, Ryan Hindes had no idea he would be where he is today. A walk-on with no aspirations to be a full time runner, now finds himself having run the second-fastest 600 meters in the history of Indiana University.

“ I was thrilled, after the fact when you find out you’re only .05 from the school record, then it becomes bittersweet,” Hindes said. “But it was great.”

It was a PR (Personal record) by about to two seconds for him and put him near the top of the Big Ten.

In the sprints, Kind Butler continued his strong season as he finished in second in both the 60 and 200-meter dash.

Aside from Andy Bayer, DeSean Turner and Ben Hubers ran the mile and narrowly missed breaking four minutes for the first time in their careers. Bayer knew they would be disappointed after the run.

“ I think they were both pretty bummed,” Bayer said. “I think though if they get another chance this year, they’ll definitely get it and I think they’re ready to do it.”

For the IU women’s team, the distance contingent continued a strong start to the season. Kelsie Ahbe, coming off an early season injury, and Monique Riddick both stepped up.

“Coming into this weekend I didn’t really put any expectations up there,” Ahbe said. “I just wanted to come out here and enjoy myself.”

Ahbe vaulted 13 feet 5 inches, good for a third-place finish.

In the throws, Monique Riddick came in second in the shot put and recorded a PR in the weight throw.

“ I was really ecstatic,” Riddick said. “I finally got the monkey off my back.”

The women also got a boost in the high jump with a third and fifth place finish from Emma Kimoto and Mia Mackinnon, respectively.

With strong performances in the field, the women’s sprinters and distance runners continued to raise the bar. Kelsey Duerksen and Breanne Erhman shaved more time off their mile, both of them now getting to 4:42, two seconds better then their previous best this season.

“ Now we’re starting to talk about some quality marks at the national level,” Hemler said. “The quality marks are starting to percolate to the surface a little more regularly. “

Other notable races included, Aireonna Bailey coming in fifth in both the 60 and 200-meter dash, Ruth Chrstopher finishing second in the 800, and Chelsea Blanchard running a 16.41.96 for a third place finish in the 5k.

Every Week, Hank Glassner and Mitchell Paul will comment on every team in the NBA using 140 characters or less (most of the time). Commentary is after the jump.

Coming off of a tough road loss to Wisconsin on Thursday, Sunday’s game against the Iowa Hawkeyes was nothing short of a must win for Indiana.

With the stage set, the Hoosiers stepped up and put forth their best offensive performance this season by topping one hundred, defeating the Hawkeyes 103-89.

Leading the way offensively was freshman standout Cody Zeller, who scored a career high 26 points to go along with four rebounds.

Zeller was extremely efficient in the paint, converting on 11-of-12 field goal attempts including eight dunks. When asked about his success he immediately gave credit to his guard play for giving him easy opportunities for his baskets.

“I had a pretty easy job just catching and dunking,” Zeller said. “Our guards did a really nice job of finding me in the alley a couple times.”

The entire frontcourt for the Hoosiers had success Sunday; the combination of Derek Elston, Tom Pritchard, and Christian Watford combined for 33 points to assist Zeller’s 26.

With 13 minutes remaining in the first half, a rare offensive spark from Elston ignited the rest of the Hoosier attack. In a span of 68 seconds, he rattled off eight straight points to give Indiana a 26-18 lead. The big change according to Elston was his level of confidence.

“Coach Crean called me last night, and just told me to play with confidence. Once I saw that first one go down I was pretty excited. It felt good to get out there and shoot it pretty well. ”

Senior and fan-favorite Tom Pritchard also brought Assembly Hall to its feet, scoring seven points, including a monstrous put-back dunk in the second half.

“It wasn’t as good as the first one I had last year, but it will get the job done,” Pritchard said. “It just always feels great when we get the crowd into the game when everybody has a bunch of big plays. They (the fans) have really been a sixth man this year helping us out by providing that energy.”

Throughout his career, Pritchard’s role on the team has been all over the place from the centerpiece to his current position as a defender and rebounder. It is nice to have a guy like that who is comfortable in doing whatever it takes to help the team.

“I think my defense sparked a couple extra points tonight, and it is just something I am trying to do. I want to bring energy to the defensive side of the court.”

Pritchard, alongside the rest of the frontcourt owned the Hawkeyes on the glass, nearly doubling them in boards with 37 to Iowa’s 22. Most of these rebounds came from the offensive end (20), which allowed Indiana to get easy second chance points leading to the highest point total scored by any team in the Big Ten this season.

“It’s always a key to get on the offensive glass, “ Zeller said. “We get second chance points and hustle plays. We just have to win the hustle game every day.

This game gave Indiana its fifth conference win of the season, the most the Hoosiers have had in the Tom Crean era. Despite allowing Iowa to shoot 63% from the floor overall, a great rebounding effort, good free throw shooting (25-31), and a 55% shooting clip themselves allowed the Hoosiers to coast to the 14 point victory.

This home victory was pivotal, as they now go on the road twice (Michigan and Purdue) in the next week before returning home to face Illinois Thursday, February 9.