In 1997-98 and 1998-99, Indiana

[HouseVD]

lost 5 big ten games by double digits both those seasons. Indiana still wound up in the NCAA tournament (7 and 6 seed) and went to the round of 32.

I know mediocrity is not acceptable to the fan base. But on the other hand, very little was expected of this season. I think people are over-reacting too much to the OSU and Purdue games. We lost to an OSU team that is playing red hot, on their home court, in a high tempo game, by 12 points. The Purdue games was a really tough match up (only Wisconsin has as much size), and they had one of their best crowds in Mackey in 5 years. Indiana played a bit nervous in the game. There were also clear cut tactical mistakes on defense that are on Crean. But I don't think the season is over, because IU has won the games they need to win except for the Eastern Washington game. I think 11-7 is still a very reachable goal and would put IU into the tournament comfortably. A loss or two at home is possible, but the Rutgers and NW games on the road give us a chance to make up for home losses.

 

[bsmitty08]

Iowa is also as big as PU and wisky.

 

[HouseVD]

Iowa is big, but no one has a post game...

Woodbury is a stiff. Olesani does most of his damage on put backs and broken plays. Aaron White is a great player, but not really a post up player. More like a big wing. With HMP back, I don't think they will pose as much problem as Purdue.

 

[iubhounds]

Those two road games will be tough

I look for IU to split their final four road games but those two games on the road you speak of are going to be tough. Rutgers has upset teams at home in the past and Northwestern always seems to play well against IU at home. They've been in a lot of home games but ended up losing.

I don't think there is over-reacting. It was how they looked when they lost.