Hoosiers win third straight close game
(Juwan Morgan scored 15 points in IU’s win over Louisville. Photo by: Getty Images.)
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
BLOOMINGTON — Three straight games have come down to the wire for the Indiana Hoosiers. And three straight times, the Hoosiers have found a way to get the job done.
It was the first time since 1994 that Indiana won consecutive two-point games in the conference with wins over Northwestern and Penn State. How did the Hoosiers follow that up? With a 68-67 victory over Louisville at Assembly Hall.
“We’re definitely comfortable in those situations,” said Senior Juwan Morgan. “The work we’ve put in over the off-season has prepared us. Last year around this time we were losing those types of games.”
Morgan, who contributed 15 points and five rebounds on Saturday, continued: “Nobody wants to be the guy that gets scored on late. We have each other’s backs. These games will prepare us for January, February, and March. Other teams may not play those close games to learn from, but we’ll be ready.”
Another positive for Indiana- these three games were all won in different ways. They rallied late over Northwestern with Morgan out. They survived a late run by Penn State on the road. Against Louisville- The Hoosiers didn’t even have a lead until eight minutes to play after a three by Rob Phinisee. The Hoosier point guard then hit the game’s biggest shot, a go-ahead three with 1:18 to play.
Coach Archie Miller continues to have high praise for his freshman: “Rob did a heck of a job,” Miller said. “We need him to hunt more shots. The two that he hit in the 2nd half were big. I was glad that he saw those. You need your point guard to be able to do that.”
Speaking of freshmen, Romeo Langford had another big game. He scored 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while getting to the line for 14 free-throw attempts. He’s struggled at the line this season, but he hit two straight at the end of the game to seal the win.
“I was confident with him in that spot,” Miller said. “That’s who he is with the game on the line. Romeo is as gifted as it gets going to the basket. I thought he was as aggressive as he’s been all season. He’s an attacking guard.”
Nice stat line from Justin Smith:
9 points,
9 rebounds,
2 assists,
0 turnovers,
1 poster.#iubb— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) December 8, 2018
Justin Smith was extremely important in the victory as well. “Justin played a terrific game,” said Miller. “He again delivered on defense. He really competed late in the game. He gets nine rebounds, doesn’t turn it over- that’s the guy he’s got to be for us.”
Up up & away. pic.twitter.com/lo1zImk3SP
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) December 8, 2018
The Hoosiers have still struggled from 3-point range (4-of-14) and from the foul line (16-of-25). But winning games despite those struggles is a great sign, especially for a young team. If they start connecting more from deep and at the stripe, look out.
“There were a lot of winning plays again,” Miller said. “As long as we stay healthy, I believe we can take it to another level.”
After playing a lot of games over the last few weeks, the Hoosiers will now have a nice break before playing Butler at Bankers Life Fieldhouse next Saturday.
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— Parable Productions Video (@ParableV) December 6, 2018
