Armaan Franklin leads Hoosiers past Bulldogs
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Armaan Franklin must love Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Hoosiers sophomore has connected on 12-of-16 from 3-point range in three career games in this building. He scored 20 points on Saturday, helping the Hoosiers defeat the Butler Bulldogs 68-60 in the Crossroads Classic.
“I still don’t know why this gym has given me good shooting performances,” Franklin said after the win. “My teammates were given me good looks, and my bigs were setting good screens. I saw the first one go down and it gave me confidence.”
Fans have been critical of the lack of development in Archie Miller’s players the last few years. But Armaan Franklin is one example of someone who looks like a different player from one season ago. And if this is the player Indiana is getting in conference play, watch out. This 20-point performance came after a 19-point game on Sunday. His advanced numbers are much improved from his freshman season as well. Things are looking bright for Franklin and Indiana.
“Big shots for Armaan,” Miller said. “His confidence level is in a good place. He’s given us an outside weapon the last few games which opens things up inside. He’s earned that right. He’s really developed.”
Trayce Jackson-Davis, who once again led the Hoosiers with 21 points and eight rebounds, also had high praise for Franklin. “Armaan has always been a great player,” said Jackson-Davis. “But he didn’t play as much or have as much confidence in the second part of last year. I know he wanted to prove what kind of player he is. He’s one of our best defenders. He works extremely hard and he’s knocking down a lot of shots.”
After Butler built a 37-28 lead, the Hoosiers went on a 19-3 run and never looked back. The Hoosiers improved to 7-3 all-time in the Crossroads Classic, including 4-0 under Archie Miller. They have also connected on 16 of their last 33 attempts from three, a major development as they get ready to play the grueling conference schedule.
“I think we’re as battle-tested as anybody in the league,” Archie Miller said. “Our league is going to be a battle each and every night. We won’t be able to play this schedule without contributions from everybody.”
Overall, it was a solid non-conference season for Indiana (5-2). They will host Northwestern on Wednesday in Bloomington to start Big Ten play.
