First Thoughts: Indiana 81, Ohio State 68
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
Let’s take a quick look at how the Indiana Hoosiers pulled off an impressive 81-68 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday afternoon at Value City Arena.
WHY IT HAPPENED: Indiana’s frontcourt trio of Victor Oladipo, Christian Watford and Cody Zeller dominated this game almost from start to finish. The Hoosiers, with only two days to prepare, never said this particular contest meant any more to them because of Thursday’s collapse at Illinois. Their actions told a different story. Now with hopes of retaining its No. 1 ranking in tomorrow’s polls, Indiana was in control for all of the second half, and No. 10 Ohio State was behind the entire way after Watford’s layup made it 20-19 with 7:21 left in the opening half.
WHAT WE LEARNED: Many have wondered about the Hoosiers’ ability to beat good teams on the road, but not after this. Given how Indiana has struggled to protect leads and put teams away in the second half, Tom Crean has to be extremely proud of the way his team battled all afternoon. The Hoosiers never stopped grinding, even after assuming a 16-point lead with 9 ½ minutes left. Will Sheehey had five huge points to help build the separation, which were Indiana’s only bench points. Guards Jordan Hulls and Yogi Ferrell did not play well, but Ferrell did a masterful job of at least controlling the tempo, which Indiana dictated throughout.
The Hoosiers atoned for their poor finish last time out by playing with confidence, poise and a body language and mindset that was all business. Nobody tried to be a hero. Nobody egged on the crowd. Nobody chose flash over substance. They defended much better and dominated a good defense with smart decisions, post plays and 53 percent shooting. Meanwhile, they allowed superstar Deshaun Thomas (26 points) to get his and shut down everybody else for the most part. Zeller took a step in his progression and did what true stars do: provide answers whenever a question is raised at any point in a game. Oladipo had the hot hand, too, with a career-high 26 points.
KEY NUMBER: Against a good 3-point shooting team, the Hoosiers permitted few quality looks and limited Ohio State to 3-of-13 shooting from behind the arc.
TURNING POINT: With an eight-point lead cut to four early in the second half after Ferrell fouled Thomas on a 3-point attempt, Indiana answered with a 10-2 run to make it 53-41 with 13:41 remaining. Oladipo scored the first five points in the spurt on a short jumper in the lane and a 3 from the right wing. He was terrific around the basket all game, but this sequence was Oladipo’s most important.
NEXT: The Hoosiers enjoy a couple more days off before returning to action Wednesday night in Assembly Hall against Nebraska.
