Indiana 100, Chicago State 72
By ANDY PROFFET
ISL Correspondent
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The notable weakness in Noah Vonleh’s game after Indiana’s exhibition games is a weakness no more.
After going 0-for-8 from the line in the Hoosiers’ two preseason games, Vonleh was 5-for-5 on free throws in Friday night’s 100-72 season-opening win over Chicago State.
“I hope Noah gets some positive tweets after that,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said.
Vonleh’s performance at the line was just part of a record-setting night for the Hoosiers. IU was 45-of-55 on free throws, setting a school record for makes while tying the third-best mark for attempts in program history.
“It’s a big deal for us to get to the line,” Crean said.
So what spelled the difference for IU’s freshman star?
“I just told myself I need to start calming down and making the shots,” Vonleh said.
All part of the maturation process for Vonleh and his fellow freshmen, who helped IU fall one blocked shot shy of tying the school record in that category.
The Hoosiers blocked 13 Chicago State shots, with sophomore Jeremy Hollowell leading the way with a career-high four. Vonleh and classmate Devin Davis each had three blocks.
Hollowell also had a career-high 16 points in his first start to lead the Hoosiers. IU had six players score in double figures and almost had three players with double-doubles.
Troy Williams had 13 points, Yogi Ferrell added 11, Vonleh had 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Davis and Will Sheehey each had 10 points and nine rebounds.
IU had 62 rebounds, 44 on defense, thanks to Chicago State’s 21-of-81 shooting. Clarke Rosenberg shot 8-of-14 from the field and 7-of-8 from the line to finish with 27 points. His teammates were a combined 13-of-67 from the field.
Even with the easy victory, Crean knows there’s plenty for the Hoosiers to improve on.
“There’s a five-page laundry list of things we need to get better at,” he said.
