Cold shooting costs Hoosiers in loss to Nebraska
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Correspondent
BLOOMINGTON — Senior Night is always a special night in Bloomington.
For the second straight year, however, the road team spoiled the party. The Hoosiers came into tonight’s game against Nebraska desperately needing a win to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive.
The task became tougher when Indiana learned it would be playing its second straight game without standout freshman Noah Vonleh.
This team leans heavily on Will Sheehey and Yogi Ferrell to carry the load, and on Wednesday, the two combined for just 9-of-28 shooting, including 3-for-17 from 3. As a team, the Hoosiers started the game shooting 1-for-10 from 3. They eventually found their stroke, connecting on 4 of 5 from 3 to begin the second half, including Sheehey’s 3 to tie the game at 52.
After that, the cold shooting would continue as the Hoosiers missed their final seven from 3-point land. With three top-notch high school shooters coming next season, Assembly Hall will probably not see this type of poor shooting again for quite some time.
Indiana was able to keep Terran Petteway in check, as he shot just 3 for 10 from the field on the night. Shavon Shields and Walter Pitchford more than made up for his off night, combining for 34 points and 17 rebounds. Pitchford’s 3 ended up being the biggest shot of the game, as it gave Nebraska a four-point lead with 1:55 to play.
Troy Williams led the Hoosiers with 18 points and six rebounds. Indiana was also given big minutes from another freshman, Devin Davis.
At the end of the day, there wasn’t enough offense to get the victory.
The Hoosiers never had a lead, and fell by a final score of 70-60.
It was a disappointing end to Sheehey’s home career.
Tom Crean had the following to say about the senior: “The way you put winning first is to absolutely hate to lose. Will Sheehey absolutely hates to lose. When you think of how this program turned around, Will Sheehey belongs in the first sentence.”
The Hoosiers will need to win the Big Ten tournament to go dancing this season. Brighter days are ahead for this program next year, but Hoosier Hysteria can’t get here soon enough.
Follow Tyler Smith on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sports_TYs_20.
