IU Wins 5th in a row, up to #19 in KP --- Final Stats & Extended Highlights

[rikki-tikka-tava]

After five (count 'em) wins in a row, IU tied for 3rd in BT but with wins over the other 6-4 teams (Illinois & MSU). Can all change really fast and next up is a tough game @ #32 Maryland who is playing pretty well of late (almost took down pU in WL) and a tough out at home. Seems this is where Woodson shows some of his mettle by keeping them grounded and locked in af IU after re-enters the Top 25 rankings on Monday. Be a great motivator if they got snubbed but just not going to happen.

What is happening is some fairly consistent high-level play by IU on both ends of the Court - IU is simply not suffering the kind of lapses in scoring and defensive intensity of Seasons past, and is at worst generally playing opponents even until suddenly they get a few stops and just like that are up by double digits. The veterans are playing like veterans and IU's freshmen seem to be getting the hang of playing B10/D1 BB - JHS had his best game as a Hoosier last night and Malik nearly so, Kaleb got thrown onto the big stage and came away pretty shinny, and even CJ got into the act. On the whole, IU is simply outplaying opponents in significant part because Woodson has enough depth in the rotation to yank anyone faltering defensively (which he's been doing rather quickly) as testimony to his 'play defense and take good shots' philosophy'.

(end of part 1)

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

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[rikki-tikka-tava]

Coach Woodson simply does not abide defensive breakdowns (reminiscent of a former IU Coach) and as evidenced by the brief ass-chewing directed at Trey last night, isn't too keen on long 3-pointers early in the shot clock. For my part the best part about last night's win over the Buckeyes, aside from JHS making a case for national freshman performance of the week, was the emergence of Kaleb Banks - played solid defense, had 7 boards in 12 minutes and gives IU a viable option at the 1-4 spots that is most welcome, especially in light of Jordan being hors de combat for the indeterminate future. Credit to Staff for bringing him along and recognizing last night's game/match-ups as appropriate for his introduction to B10 play.

Shout out to Malik as well - finally starting to move his feet on defense and managed to play 23 minutes last night without fouling out. Was his put-back of a TJD miss that started IU's 15-0 run to close out the first half and his line of 15 pts/8 rbs/3 A/1 TO against tough competition is pretty damn good for a freshman.

Expect Maryland to be a very tough out, but given the Team's display of resiliency (in spite of injuries and/or lackluster individual performances) and increasingly distributed offensive production, feel far better about IU's prospects than a month ago.

Run Hoosiers run.

 

[bawlmer]

Coach Woodson simply does not abide defensive breakdowns (reminiscent of a former IU Coach) and as evidenced by the brief ass-chewing directed at Trey last night, isn't too keen on long 3-pointers early in the shot clock. For my part the best part about last night's win over the Buckeyes aside from JHS making a case for national freshman performance of the week, was the emergence of Kaleb Banks - played solid defense, had 7 boards in 12 minutes and gives IU a viable option at the 1-4 spots that is most welcome, especially in light of Jordan being hors de combat for the indeterminate future. Credit to Staff for bringing him along and recognizing last night's game/match-ups as appropriate for his introduction to B10 play.

Shout out to Malik as well - finally starting to move his feet on defense and managed to play 23 minutes last night without fouling out. Was his put-back of a TJD miss that started IU's 15-0 run to close out the first half and his line of 15 pts/8 rbs/3 A/1 TO against tough competition is pretty damn good for a freshman.

Expect Maryland to be a very tough out, but given the Team's display of resiliency (in spite of injuries and/or lackluster individual performances) and increasingly distributed offensive production, feel far better about IU's prospects than a month ago.

Run Hoosiers run.

The missing piece for this team is making shots on the road. Hopefully Tuesday...

 

[GeorgeStrait IU]

The missing piece for this team is making shots on the road. Hopefully Tuesday...

If IU can avoid getting down 2-8
or 4-12 to begin snd 'Fino can do what he did what he did last night, I like IU's chances. Going to need to bring @Illinois/@X game play to win @ Maryland I'm thinking.

 

[TomEric4756]

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Bank’s stats say he should play more … solid contributions v. OSU … deeper bench makes for fresher legs.
Malik played well too … seems to be learning how to foul less.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

If IU can avoid getting down 2-8
or 4-12 to begin snd 'Fino can do what he did what he did last night, I like IU's chances. Going to need to bring @Illinois/@X game play to win @ Maryland I'm thinking.

While IU is indeed still often starting games slowly and spotting opponents early leads, am not seeing them get rattled and of late they invariably seem to manage to draw even just as quickly as they get behind. Would be nice to see them come out hot right from the start, especially on the road.

Agree they're going to need a showing similar to that against the Illini - these Teams have some history and expect the home crowd to be pretty engaged. The near-silence in Champaign at the end of the first half was one of the more satisfying aspects of that game as IU pretty much took the crowd (and Underwood) completely out of the game.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Just watched the highlights - definitely worth revisiting the last few minutes of the first half just to listen to the crowd as IU closes with a 15-0 run. Can only imagine the scene in the OSU locker room to begin the break...

 

[UTFO]

After five (count 'em) wins in a row, IU tied for 3rd in BT but with wins over the other 6-4 teams (Illinois & MSU). Can all change really fast and next up is a tough game @ #32 Maryland who is playing pretty well of late (almost took down pU in WL) and a tough out at home. Seems this is where Woodson shows some of his mettle by keeping them grounded and locked in af IU after re-enters the Top 25 rankings on Monday. Be a great motivator if they got snubbed but just not going to happen.

What is happening is some fairly consistent high-level play by IU on both ends of the Court - IU is simply not suffering the kind of lapses in scoring and defensive intensity of Seasons past, and is at worst generally playing opponents even until suddenly they get a few stops and just like that are up by double digits. The veterans are playing like veterans and IU's freshmen seem to be getting the hang of playing B10/D1 BB - JHS had his best game as a Hoosier last night and Malik nearly so, Kaleb got thrown onto the big stage and came away pretty shinny, and even CJ got into the act. On the whole, IU is simply outplaying opponents in significant part because Woodson has enough depth in the rotation to yank anyone faltering defensively (which he's been doing rather quickly) as testimony to his 'play defense and take good shots' philosophy'.

(end of part 1)

Holtman's T was the turning point last night. I think we went on a 17- 0 run.

we look like a tourney team again. looking forward to seeing continued good play at Md. Will be a test.

 

[UTFO]

Just watched the highlights - definitely worth revisiting the last few minutes of the first half just to listen to the crowd as IU closes with a 15-0 run. Can only imagine the scene in the OSU locker room to begin the break...

yet they came out and cut it to 11 right off the bat, and we responded by putting the clamps back on.

good to see.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

Bank’s stats say he should play more … solid contributions v. OSU … deeper bench makes for fresher legs.
Malik played well too … seems to be learning how to foul less.

If you want a true 3 Banks has to be the developing player. He gained experience last night and accomplished + results doing it. Geronimo is physically talented but just doesn't fit smoothly a 3 or a 4 with consistent lapses in play continuing. If MR and Banks continue improvement he may be a rotational player only owning challenged skills at IUBB. We'll see.

 

[8Stars5Banners]

Left a track banquet last night and score was 31-30 I think. By the time I walked to my car we had completed a 15-0 run. Hated I missed it

 

[kkott]

After five (count 'em) wins in a row, IU tied for 3rd in BT but with wins over the other 6-4 teams (Illinois & MSU). Can all change really fast and next up is a tough game @ #32 Maryland who is playing pretty well of late (almost took down pU in WL) and a tough out at home. Seems this is where Woodson shows some of his mettle by keeping them grounded and locked in af IU after re-enters the Top 25 rankings on Monday. Be a great motivator if they got snubbed but just not going to happen.

What is happening is some fairly consistent high-level play by IU on both ends of the Court - IU is simply not suffering the kind of lapses in scoring and defensive intensity of Seasons past, and is at worst generally playing opponents even until suddenly they get a few stops and just like that are up by double digits. The veterans are playing like veterans and IU's freshmen seem to be getting the hang of playing B10/D1 BB - JHS had his best game as a Hoosier last night and Malik nearly so, Kaleb got thrown onto the big stage and came away pretty shinny, and even CJ got into the act. On the whole, IU is simply outplaying opponents in significant part because Woodson has enough depth in the rotation to yank anyone faltering defensively (which he's been doing rather quickly) as testimony to his 'play defense and take good shots' philosophy'.

(end of part 1)

all of that is true, but you do have to recognize the clinker in there @ MN. That looked again way too much like some of the listless and uneven play from earlier in the year, and was destined to be an L if not for that gem from TJD. They've got to bring it EVERY night to reach their potential.

 

[ribbont]

Holtman's T was the turning point last night. I think we went on a 17- 0 run.

we look like a tourney team again. looking forward to seeing continued good play at Md. Will be a test.

Not quite. The T was earlier than the ending run. We went from tied to up 6, 27-21. Then OSU cut it to 1, 31-30 @ 4 min mark iirc. Then our run.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Just watched the highlights - definitely worth revisiting the last few minutes of the first half just to listen to the crowd as IU closes with a 15-0 run. Can only imagine the scene in the OSU locker room to begin the break...

Place was rocking the last five min of the first helf in particular.

Kids were great

Hoosier Daddy chant late was funny.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

all of that is true, but you do have to recognize the clinker in there @ MN. That looked again way too much like some of the listless and uneven play from earlier in the year, and was destined to be an L if not for that gem from TJD. They've got to bring it EVERY night to reach their potential.

Did that yesterday:

Have no idea what's going to happen tonight and feel completely unqualified to make a prediction - just too caught up in wanting a win to really pull off any critical thinking. IU had a 3-game stretch against good competition where they were pretty damn good defensively even without Xavier and Race while displaying very solid offensive efficiency. And then came the Gophers. Ugh. Little bit of zone and all of a sudden IU looks like a D-2 program dazzled by the the lights at MSG.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

After five (count 'em) wins in a row, IU tied for 3rd in BT but with wins over the other 6-4 teams (Illinois & MSU). Can all change really fast and next up is a tough game @ #32 Maryland who is playing pretty well of late (almost took down pU in WL) and a tough out at home. Seems this is where Woodson shows some of his mettle by keeping them grounded and locked in af IU after re-enters the Top 25 rankings on Monday. Be a great motivator if they got snubbed but just not going to happen.

What is happening is some fairly consistent high-level play by IU on both ends of the Court - IU is simply not suffering the kind of lapses in scoring and defensive intensity of Seasons past, and is at worst generally playing opponents even until suddenly they get a few stops and just like that are up by double digits. The veterans are playing like veterans and IU's freshmen seem to be getting the hang of playing B10/D1 BB - JHS had his best game as a Hoosier last night and Malik nearly so, Kaleb got thrown onto the big stage and came away pretty shinny, and even CJ got into the act. On the whole, IU is simply outplaying opponents in significant part because Woodson has enough depth in the rotation to yank anyone faltering defensively (which he's been doing rather quickly) as testimony to his 'play defense and take good shots' philosophy'.

(end of part 1)

The real diffenence was JHS. Went from hitting nothing last game to hitting everything this one.

That was a fun game in THE AH

 

[UTFO]

Not quite. The T was earlier than the ending run. We went from tied to up 6, 27-21. Then OSU cut it to 1, 31-30 @ 4 min mark iirc. Then our run.

ah.

well i'll just blame Journeymen's Distillery's "non bourbon" bourbon + some Night Terror for that bit of forgetfulness

 

[Jfats]

Tap the breaks - as of right now heading into Sunday games, IU is tied for fourth not third (PU, Rutgers, and NW are 1-3). Games ahead include at PU, at MSU, at Maryland (at NW who we lost to at home). PU at home is no picnic either. What’s important is staying near the top of the logjam, where we currently are, and stay at it even after factoring in a few losses. Going from 1-4 to 6-4 is great - Illinois being the one big win. Better play, tough D, multiple players contributing…all good. Potentially getting a boost maybe in a matter of weeks with X. Just get in the tourney healthy and IU will not be a team any coach will want to see in their region - a tough team with a low seed versus the potential.

 

[kkott]

Did that yesterday:

I meant in your synopsis above. It's not all be improved and consistent play. That effort looked like some of the stinkers from earlier in the year overall. Maybe can be written off w Woodson out, but there's no excuse for players not showing up every game at this point.

 

[Harry Hondo]

Not quite. The T was earlier than the ending run. We went from tied to up 6, 27-21. Then OSU cut it to 1, 31-30 @ 4 min mark iirc. Then our run.

Frankly, it’s a myth that good or even great teams bring it every night. All of Knight’s 3 championship teams had off nights. Even the ‘76 team needed a last second tip in by Benson to beat Michigan in AH.

 

[Beorik]

all of that is true, but you do have to recognize the clinker in there @ MN. That looked again way too much like some of the listless and uneven play from earlier in the year, and was destined to be an L if not for that gem from TJD. They've got to bring it EVERY night to reach their potential.

No team has brought it EVERY night since 1976. 5-10 bad games happen to great teams each year. The better the team, the more of those games you pull out anyway.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

I meant in your synopsis above. It's not all be improved and consistent play. That effort looked like some of the stinkers from earlier in the year overall. Maybe can be written off w Woodson out, but there's no excuse for players not showing up every game at this point.

Did you hear me express anything in terms of absolutes? You did not - specifically said "fairly consistent play", not as if I imagine their play of late to be flawless or even terribly exalted, merely better and moreover, better than that of their opponents. Amounts to cause for optimism/satisfaction, not remotely a coronation, always always room for improvement and I'd be among the first to say that IU is far from a finished product.

 

[ButHerEmails]

After five (count 'em) wins in a row, IU tied for 3rd in BT but with wins over the other 6-4 teams (Illinois & MSU). Can all change really fast and next up is a tough game @ #32 Maryland who is playing pretty well of late (almost took down pU in WL) and a tough out at home. Seems this is where Woodson shows some of his mettle by keeping them grounded and locked in af IU after re-enters the Top 25 rankings on Monday. Be a great motivator if they got snubbed but just not going to happen.

What is happening is some fairly consistent high-level play by IU on both ends of the Court - IU is simply not suffering the kind of lapses in scoring and defensive intensity of Seasons past, and is at worst generally playing opponents even until suddenly they get a few stops and just like that are up by double digits. The veterans are playing like veterans and IU's freshmen seem to be getting the hang of playing B10/D1 BB - JHS had his best game as a Hoosier last night and Malik nearly so, Kaleb got thrown onto the big stage and came away pretty shinny, and even CJ got into the act. On the whole, IU is simply outplaying opponents in significant part because Woodson has enough depth in the rotation to yank anyone faltering defensively (which he's been doing rather quickly) as testimony to his 'play defense and take good shots' philosophy'.

(end of part 1)

Games like the upcoming Maryland game make me nervous. We’ve played our asses off and won five straight, we’ll likely be ranked again tomorrow, so it’s the perfect situation for us to go lay an egg at Maryland.

 

[TomEric4756]

Frankly, it’s a myth that good or even great teams bring it every night. All of Knight’s 3 championship teams had off nights. Even the ‘76 team needed a last second tip in by Benson to beat Michigan in AH.

I was at that game. Michigan played well using a 3-2 (or 1-2-2) zone to avoid chasing Scott May through the patented screens for those catch and shoot opportunities. It wasn’t a dominating performance. But it was played with effort and tough defense, that seemed lacking in some of this season’s losses.

 

[Paterfamilias]

I put together this chart (below) because it seemed that whenever IU was bad on either offense or defense they tended to be really bad. I took all of the games vs mid-majors out so we could see how we've fared vs conference and top 100 foes only.

What the first two columns show is how IU's performance ranked (both offensively and defensively) in comparison to the rest of that opponents schedule. Using the Arizona game as an example, IU's defense was the 12th weakest of UA's 13 games vs top 100 opposition. Offensively IU was much better as only 3 other opponents managed a higher points per possession than IU achieved against the Wildcats.

The last 2 columns show the current Ken-pom ranking for each teams offense and defense.

I did a little color coding as well, with Green being good and Red being bad.

The thing that sticks out is just how horrid the D was for quite a stretch, but suddenly they are avoiding getting destroyed on that end of the floor. Plenty of room for improvement too.

Anyway, make what you will of it. IU is now 2nd among the 6 major conference teams in 3pt% trailing only Xavier!

 

[8Stars5Banners]

I put together this chart (below) because it seemed that whenever IU was bad on either offense or defense they tended to be really bad. I took all of the games vs mid-majors out so we could see how we've fare vs conference and top 100 foes only.

What the first two columns show id how IU's performance ranked (both offensively and defensively) in comparison to the rest of that opponents schedule. Using the Arizona game as an example, IU's defense was the 12th weakest of UA's 13 games vs top 100 opposition. Offensively IU was much better as only 3 other opponents managed a higher points per possession than IU achieved against the Wildcats.

The last 2 columns show the current Ken-pom ranking for each teams offense and defense.

I did a little color coding as well, with Green being good and Red being bad.

The thing that sticks out is just how horrid the D was for quite a stretch, but suddenly they are avoiding getting destroyed on that end of the floor. Plenty of room for improvement too.

Anyway, make what you will of it. IU is now 2nd among the 6 major conference teams in 3pt% trailing only Xavier!

Impressed with your dedication. (I think😂😂)

 

[Harry Hondo]

I was at that game. Michigan played well using a 3-2 (or 1-2-2) zone to avoid chasing Scott May through the patented screens for those catch and shoot opportunities. It wasn’t a dominating performance. But it was played with effort and tough defense, that seemed lacking in some of this season’s losses.

Yes, before the Wisconsin game they played many where they didn’t show effort and tough defense, hence a 1-4 start. However, even in the Minnesota game they held them scoreless the last several minutes and outscored them 7-0 to win. Again, every team has clunkers, especially on the road.

 

[Paterfamilias]

Impressed with your dedication. (I think😂😂)

I do a lot of excessive stuff like this for gambling purposes.... and inane curiosity.

 

[Sope Creek]

Frankly, it’s a myth that good or even great teams bring it every night. All of Knight’s 3 championship teams had off nights. Even the ‘76 team needed a last second tip in by Benson to beat Michigan in AH.

Yeah, and that tip was late, IMHO.

But Michigan was the national runnerup . . . .

 

[hozo4ultimate]

Just watched the highlights - definitely worth revisiting the last few minutes of the first half just to listen to the crowd as IU closes with a 15-0 run. Can only imagine the scene in the OSU locker room to begin the break...

Terrific end to the half. It's been a while. Completely took OSU out of the game.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Terrific end to the half. It's been a while. Completely took OSU out of the game.

Reckon not everyone cherishes their memories of Assembly Hall. 🍏

 

[BcBranimal]

I put together this chart (below) because it seemed that whenever IU was bad on either offense or defense they tended to be really bad. I took all of the games vs mid-majors out so we could see how we've fare vs conference and top 100 foes only.

What the first two columns show id how IU's performance ranked (both offensively and defensively) in comparison to the rest of that opponents schedule. Using the Arizona game as an example, IU's defense was the 12th weakest of UA's 13 games vs top 100 opposition. Offensively IU was much better as only 3 other opponents managed a higher points per possession than IU achieved against the Wildcats.

The last 2 columns show the current Ken-pom ranking for each teams offense and defense.

I did a little color coding as well, with Green being good and Red being bad.

The thing that sticks out is just how horrid the D was for quite a stretch, but suddenly they are avoiding getting destroyed on that end of the floor. Plenty of room for improvement too.

Anyway, make what you will of it. IU is now 2nd among the 6 major conference teams in 3pt% trailing only Xavier!

I like stats and charts...this is fun stuff. I only wish I could comment more frequently...when does this "insufficient privilege to reply" wear off? Makes a guy almost regret signing up.

 

[8Stars5Banners]

I like stats and charts...this is fun stuff. I only wish I could comment more frequently...when does this "insufficient privilege to reply" wear off? Makes a guy almost regret signing up.

You haven’t been given level 1 security clearance yet

 

[kkott]

Did you hear me express anything in terms of absolutes? You did not - specifically said "fairly consistent play", not as if I imagine their play of late to be flawless or even terribly exalted, merely better and moreover, better than that of their opponents. Amounts to cause for optimism/satisfaction, not remotely a coronation, always always room for improvement and I'd be among the first to say that IU is far from a finished product.

uh oh, someone's panties are starting to bunch! You should try boxers, might help to air that thing out. The last 5 games have been great, but the only thing that allowed us to eek out a win at Minny was finding the worst team in the league missing it's best player and another good night from TJD. That game was reminiscent of our earlier poor efforts where we got Ls, we just found an opponent who was struggling more that night. It was the outlier of that 5 game stretch. MD would be a classic let down game, and frankly if we have to have 1 coming up, I'd hope it's there and not PU Saturday. Gutting out wins in both would be the mark of a very good team; are we there yet?

When I watched PU early in the year, I wondered how the heck they were doing it, but now they look very solid, even in road games. We need to play a full game and definitely not put ourselves in a hole to start.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

uh oh, someone's panties are starting to bunch! You should try boxers, might help to air that thing out. The last 5 games have been great, but the only thing that allowed us to eek out a win at Minny was finding the worst team in the league missing it's best player and another good night from TJD. That game was reminiscent of our earlier poor efforts where we got Ls, we just found an opponent who was struggling more that night. It was the outlier of that 5 game stretch. MD would be a classic let down game, and frankly if we have to have 1 coming up, I'd hope it's there and not PU Saturday. Getting out wins in both would be the mark of a very good team; are we there yet?

When I watched PU early in the year, I wondered how the heck they were doing it, but now they look very solid, even in road games. We need to play a full game and definitely not put ourselves in a hole to start.

Not remotely, but lecturing someone is generally about telling them what they don't know rather than elucidating the obvious. I'd be more concerned that you're thinking about the genitalia of complete strangers over breakfast but you do you. 🍏

Like the OSU game, have no idea what IU brings to the Maryland game, more so as it's on the road. Agree it could be a gem like Illinois or a desultory showing a la Minnesota. Satisfying as the last five games may be, apart from TJD, IU's recent success has been more an uneven function of individual performance than a consistent and cohesive display of Team performance. Still not getting that sense of or seeing evidence of a reliable Team effort or 'identity' per se that comes from familiar aspects of performance game in and game out. Whether it's defensive intensity or routine aspects of execution on offense or something else, still waiting on characteristics in play that seem emblematic of the Team as a whole. Basketball is very much an opportunistic game but reckon I need to see some type of defining continuity in IU's play before being able to express much confidence in how well they're likely to perform on any given night.

Am encouraged but still skeptical. Much of that stems from the uneven nature of individual play (in particular Jordan, Tamar, Malik and Jalen) but is also a function of brief but exasperating lapses at both ends of the Court. Xavier's loss, and injuries to Trayce, Jalen, Trey, Race and now Jordan haven't helped, but it does seem that the Team is beginning to gel in spite of all that - just difficult at times watching it happen but then evolution is a protracted and sometimes painful process.

Looking forward to terrapin stew this week. Go IU!