Hoosiers top Cougars 83-60
By CALEB LYNN
ISL Contributor 
BLOOMINGTON — With OG Anunoby out of action on Friday night, the Hoosiers second unit stepped up in Indiana’s 83-60 victory over SIUE at Assembly Hall. The Hoosier bench came out strong and outscored the Cougars second unit 34-12.
Freshman De’Ron Davis came ready to play. He scored 14 points and shot 4-of-6 from the field, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Davis talked about how the North Carolina game helped his confidence. “It was really big,” Davis said. “That just shows that I can play at this level.” He also gave credit to his guys down low about his recent success. “Just having two bigs that can play inside out. Trying to work on moving around the perimeter, making my way into shape.”
Juwan Morgan, who got the start due to Anunoby’s injury came through in a big way with 18 points on 8-of-8 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds. “I think just mentally I’ve been thinking too much about shooting,” said Morgan. “I just got back to what I was at last year and things that helped the team and I didn’t have to make plays or anything.”
Davis also gave his teammate props. “He was locked in. He came out and led us today as you can see. He was all over the boards today.”
Indiana Coach Tom Crean talked about Morgan’s impact due to Anunoby’s absence. “We are throwing a lot at him. But he is capable of it. He’s got a good level of hustle and effort to rebound the ball, and to do things defensively.”
The Cougars Head Coach Jon Harris talked about how the production from Davis and Morgan was somewhat unexpected. “They had OG (Anunoby) down and those guys raised their level,” Harris said.
Harris and Crean have a strong history together. “They knew my level of respect for this team,” Crean said. “They understood I have a lot of respect for him because he was on a staff of mine on my first three teams with Marquette. He was on a staff of mine that went to the final four and I’ve been involved in his coaching life ever since.”
While Thomas Bryant did not have his best game, he played aggressively. De’Ron Davis said “TB is an energetic dude. We all need that.”
Crean is very optimistic about OG’s injury and when he could return. “I don’t think it’s long term. We will get more of an indication tomorrow but we are certainly not banking on him. I would not rule him out officially.”
IU’s next game will be on Sunday as they take on SE Missouri State and
