Hoosiers dominate Northwestern, improve to 4-2 in conference
By CALEB LYNN (@cjlynn016)
ISL Contributor 
BLOOMINGTON — Despite struggling on the offensive end in the first half, the Indiana Hoosiers used defense and a strong second half to dominate Northwestern by a score of 66-46 at Assembly Hall. Indiana improved to 4-2 in conference play, as they continue to make progress in the Archie Miller era.
The Hoosiers went on a 25-2 run in the second half over a 7:17 stretch, and shot 60% as a team in the final 20 minutes.
“We moved better,” said Coach Archie Miller. “We really shared the ball, and had some guys step up and make some big baskets.”
IU’s defense was consistently strong throughout. They held the top guards of Northwestern Scottie Lindsey and Bryant McIntosh to 3-of-23 shooting for the game. As a team, Indiana held Northwestern to less than 30 percent shooting.
The Hoosiers are starting to buy-in to the Archie Miller defense. Northwestern has 6 points at the under 8 timeout of the 1st half.
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) January 14, 2018
Senior Robert Johnson had a big game with 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists. He connected on five 3-point shots which moved Johnson into a tie with James Blackmon Jr., with 205 made 3’s for his career.
His sidekick Josh Newkirk came into the game and played efficiently with 12 points, two assists, and grabbed three rebounds. That was his second game in a row scoring in double-figures. The Hoosiers will need their seniors to continue playing well as their schedule gets tougher.
📽 Highlights from our win over Northwestern ⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/toVmqWR7gr
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) January 15, 2018
Archie Miller spoke very high about the guards and their impact. “I think when you get into league play you are only going to be as good as your guards,” Miller said. “Josh Newkirk probably had the best two game stretch of the season. Rob is Rob. Rob is going to be a guy we are going to count on to score a little bit for us.”
The front-court of the Hoosiers stepped up with Juwan Morgan’s foul trouble. Freddie McSwain Jr., had four points, five rebounds, and two assists. two assists. Freshman Clifton Moore also saw some action and rejected two shots in his biggest game in the Big Ten.
Senior guard Josh Newkirk commented on the big guys, and said “When one guy gets in foul trouble, it’s big for guys like Clifton to step up.”
The Hoosiers bench outscored the Wildcats 19-12. Contributions were made from many players and Coach Miller was proud of how his guys handled it.
“Really good win for our team and I’m excited for them,” he said. “We have another week here to work a little bit before we play again so we have got to take some time.”
Indiana’s next game will be on the road against Michigan State on Friday night, as they hope to keep their winning streak alive.
