First Thoughts: Indiana 102, Washington 84
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Assistant Editor
Let’s take a quick look at how the Indiana Hoosiers cruised to a 102-84 win over the Washington Huskies in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Wounded Warrior Project on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
WHY IT HAPPENED: Freshman Troy Williams scored a season-high 22 points, pulled down eight rebounds and was very efficient from the field (8-of-12) as the Hoosiers picked up an impressive victory to stay undefeated at 5-0. Yogi Ferrell chipped in with 20 points and five assists, while Noah Vonleh added 18 points and nine rebounds. C.J. Wilcox matched a season high with 24 points for the Huskies, who fell to 2-2.
WHAT WE LEARNED: The Hoosiers put forth a dominant offensive performance in their best win of the season against their toughest competition to date. They attacked Washington all night, relentlessly beat up the Huskies on the boards and turned the game into a blowout early in the second half. The Hoosiers had experience playing in New York City last season, so they knew their environment. They competed hard in a physical, up-and-down game and never let Washington get in any kind of rhythm. The Hoosiers got open looks when they needed and pressured the defense in the lane and off the dribble. With an even tougher test coming up against Connecticut tomorrow night, Indiana coach Tom Crean has to be pretty pleased with the way his team played under the lights of the world’s most famous arena.
KEY NUMBER: Indiana corralled 21 offensive rebounds.
TURNING POINT: Up double digits a minute into the second half, the Hoosiers imposed their will and reeled off an 8-0 run to stretch the lead to 58-40. Ferrell made a 3 and a layup and also had an assist during the burst, which took place over three possessions and was sandwiched around two defensive stops.
GOOD: Indiana shot 31 for 36 (86.1 percent) from the free throw line.
NOT-SO-GOOD: The Hoosiers went 3-for-13 from beyond the arc.
NEXT: The Hoosiers move on to face Connecticut for the tournament title on Friday night.
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: chrisgoff_ISL.
