Hoosiers avoid letdown- defeat New Orleans by 20
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor 
BLOOMINGTON — The Hoosiers were coming off a big win on Saturday. They have another big game this coming Saturday. Thus, the proverbial “trap game” was in play tonight against New Orleans. Instead of a letdown effort, the Hoosiers put together a balanced attack, defeating the Privateers 79-59 at Assembly Hall.
Yogi Ferrell led the way for Indiana with 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting. “We just wanted to keep moving the ball,” Ferrell said after the win. “If we move the ball, eventually the defense will break down like it did tonight.” Ferrell spoke highly of team chemistry as well: “I think the biggest difference from this year to last is how connected we are. This unit is much more connected.”
After failing to score in double-figures for the first time all season on Saturday, James Blackmon Jr. had a nice bounce-back effort, contributing 14 points. Hanner Mosquera Perea continued his solid play with 12 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.
“I know I have to bring a lot to the table for us to win,” Perea said. “With rebounding, and blocking shots, I’m just trying to keep that going.”
New Orleans was able to hang around in the first 10 minutes of the game. They even held the ball deep into the shot clock when the Hoosiers were in zone to try and shorten the game. Late in the half, however, the Hoosiers put together an excellent stretch on both ends of the court, opening up a 44-22 lead.
For the game, Indiana shot 55% from the field and went to the line for 24 free-throw attempts.
Coach Tom Crean was pleased with the effort, but is still focusing on the progress of his young team.
“The moment you think you have something figured out is the moment it goes away,” Crean said after the game. “We still need to improve in all areas. We’re getting there.” When asked about the progress of his young players, Crean talked about maturity and learning how to impact the game in multiple ways. “Too many times young players believe their impact on the game is only on the offensive end, instead of it being on everything,” Crean added. “Your impact as a player has to be on every part of the game.”
The Hoosiers have just one more non-conference game before the crazy Big Ten season begins. It will be another chance to build their tournament resume as they face a very solid Georgetown team on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. In this week’s AP poll, both teams received votes, putting Georgetown at #26, and the Hoosiers at #32.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
