Prediction Thread: NW Wildcats @ Indiana Hoosiers

[IU? I'm Fine]

Wednesday @ 7 EST on BTN Indiana 1-2, 11-3, takes on Northwestern 0-3, 5-8. Indiana has lost 2 in a row, while Northwestern has lost 4 in a row.

Some think Indiana is snake bit. Taking a look at Northwestern, they have losses to Merrimack, Radford, and Hartford at home. One starting guard is out for the year. Two good players have been injured and may not play.

The linked article is a really decent overview of this game: https://indianahq.com/indiana-basketball-northwestern-wildcats-scouting-report-jan-8-2020/

So, back home again in Indiana...this game is what IU needs now.

Indiana 80, Northwestern 68

The team last year, in my opinion, suffered from injuries, lack of leadership, and players required to play out of position. This year clearly there is still the lack of leadership, mental lapses, and TJD not getting touches. The 3-point shooting has to improve. Free throw percentages have dropped in the last 3 games. That has to improve. Our defense cannot slack off when facing adversity. Off-ball movement has to increase...including screening...and cuts. Wish we had a true, healthy PG...and some wings that make shots. Feel for Al Durham...playing out of position.

College ball, today, really is not putting a great product on the court. Even though the B1G is highly rated, these teams really are not historically good across the conference.

And those that think that supporting Archie Miller is proof of acceptance of mediocracy...I say, trolls, go away.

 

[abraxis]

Wednesday @ 7 EST on BTN Indiana 1-2, 11-3, takes on Northwestern 0-3, 5-8. Indiana has lost 2 in a row, while Northwestern has lost 4 in a row.

Some think Indiana is snake bit. Taking a look at Northwestern, they have losses to Merrimack, Radford, and Hartford at home. One starting guard is out for the year. Two good players have been injured and may not play.

The linked article is a really decent overview of this game: https://indianahq.com/indiana-basketball-northwestern-wildcats-scouting-report-jan-8-2020/

So, back home again in Indiana...this game is what IU needs now.

Indiana 80, Northwestern 68

The team last year, in my opinion, suffered from injuries, lack of leadership, and players required to play out of position. This year clearly there is still the lack of leadership, mental lapses, and TJD not getting touches. The 3-point shooting has to improve. Free throw percentages have dropped in the last 3 games. That has to improve. Our defense cannot slack off when facing adversity. Off-ball movement has to increase...including screening...and cuts. Wish we had a true, healthy PG...and some wings that make shots. Feel for Al Durham...playing out of position.

College ball, today, really is not putting a great product on the court. Even though the B1G is highly rated, these teams really are not historically good across the conference.

And those that think that supporting Archie Miller is proof of acceptance of mediocracy...I say, trolls, go away.

IU 78 - NW 51 I agree with your assessment, the quality of the college product has gone down. There is some bad basketball being exposed, not just at IU. I blame it on the NBA, along with a lot of other things, too numerous to mention in the space given.

 

[SIhoosier26]

IU wins their only game in January 58-51 over the Wildcats.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

too numerous to mention in the space given.

I think you have pretty much unlimited space...but thanks for not using it.

 

[bailey777]

IU 67
North 58

If we can't beat a really bad team with 7 scholarship players at home Archie should resign on the spot. In reality we should win by 20 but we all know this team can't hold leads.

 

[abraxis]

I think you have pretty much unlimited space...but thanks for not using it.

The joke’s on you, and it’s not a particularly funny one that you have to smile along with. That might be asking too much. Now, it’s a beautiful day in the neighbor, they try to tell me!

 

[victorbear]

Archie is 3-3 lifetime against Northwestern, past performance is best indicator of future...…….IU wins 75-70 close game, watch for Mr. Bing, Bulk Alwayssmall, Hondo69, TMP, KKKott, to thump their chests with the big victory.

 

[abraxis]

Archie is 3-3 lifetime against Northwestern, past performance is best indicator of future...…….IU wins 75-70 close game, watch for Mr. Bing, Bulk Alwayssmall, Hondo69, TMP, KKKott, to thump their chests with the big victory.

You’re paying way too much attention to detail.

 

[Kyser123]

Yeah we can all celebrate beating NW. Maybe get some “we’re back “ shirts made.

 

[abraxis]

Yeah we can all celebrate beating NW. Maybe get some “we’re back “ shirts made.

You missed seeing the finer print, “We’re Back” to where it is we really don’t want to be.

 

[jet812]

Yeah we can all celebrate beating NW. Maybe get some “we’re back “ shirts made.

why are you posting, liar?

 

[dbmhoosier]

We win easily.

 

[cshartle123]

Indiana by 20

 

[bailey777]

Yeah we can all celebrate beating NW. Maybe get some “we’re back “ shirts made.

Does that include dancing in the concourse with Tom crean and screaming hoo hoo hoosiers?

 

[victorbear]

Millennials really know how to celebrate a BIG WIN!!!

 

[victorbear]

View embedded media

Millennials really know how to celebrate a BIG WIN!!!

Jesus how embarrassing...………….

 

[.Gerdis]

In the last game TJD only attempted 1 FT and 8 FGs. Think about that.

Maryland, didn't impress me, except that they were good rebounding the ball. We had massive difficulties defending their drivers. I fear that says more about us. In that game I was left scratching my head at all of the lineup changes.

77-52 Hoosiers.

I am hoping to see:
Offensive spacing with purpose and movement. The last 2 games we have reverted back to a stagnant offense with little movement. Smith should not be standing outside the arc (like Romeo did) doing nothing, for example. Play to our strengths, and stop trying to do too much (Green, especially). Defensively play disciplined, don't over hedge.

A tighter rotation: We have depth with our front court, but we need to be careful that we don't have a lineup out there that can't score. Green is going to play. As erratic as he is, we have to realize that he does have the scoring upside. I have no problem sitting him down at times, perhaps even having him come off the bench. But, if he is on the bench with Brunk and TJD and another starter, that spells anemic offense. This isn't hockey, we don't have to have line changes.

Coach, don't be afraid to burn a timeout or two. Timeout usage may be an overrated part of coaching, but this teams problems aren't physical. If you see that "other" team start popping up, do something. Don't let it spiral out of control.

We CAN be a good team, our problems are all mental: Stay focused, together, confident, smart, resilient, play TOUGH.



.

 

[Zeester]

Yeah we can all celebrate beating NW. Maybe get some “we’re back “ shirts made.

Thought you retired?

 

[kkott]

In the last game TJD only attempted 1 FT and 8 FGs. Think about that.

Maryland, didn't impress me, except that they were good rebounding the ball. We had massive difficulties defending their drivers. I fear that says more about us. In that game I was left scratching my head at all of the lineup changes.

77-52 Hoosiers.

I am hoping to see:
Offensive spacing with purpose and movement. The last 2 games we have reverted back to a stagnant offense with little movement. Smith should not be standing outside the arc (like Romeo did) doing nothing, for example. Play to our strengths, and stop trying to do too much (Green, especially). Defensively play disciplined, don't over hedge.

A tighter rotation: We have depth with our front court, but we need to be careful that we don't have a lineup out there that can't score. Green is going to play. As erratic as he is, we have to realize that he does have the scoring upside. I have no problem sitting him down at times, perhaps even having him come off the bench. But, if he is on the bench with Brunk and TJD and another starter, that spells anemic offense. This isn't hockey, we don't have to have line changes.

Coach, don't be afraid to burn a timeout or two. Timeout usage may be an overrated part of coaching, but this teams problems aren't physical. If you see that "other" team start popping up, do something. Don't let it spiral out of control.

We CAN be a good team, our problems are all mental: Stay focused, together, confident, smart, resilient, play TOUGH.



.

I totally agree on all points. I think ideally Green would and should be coming off the bench. But, to do that, we need a healthy and consistent RP...something we've not had all season. Nothing I'd like more than to see Green "earn" back a starting spot alongside RP, but his play recently certainly hasn't said "starter".

 

[iubud]

Our issues are correctable. I have to agree with Archie that our shooting will improve when it comes out of sharing the ball to shooters ready to shoot. Green and any of the guards are not going to shoot a good percentage creating their own 3 point shots.

Green takes shots as if he passes up a shot that he will not get another chance. Some players need to understand the defense is leaving them an open for a reason. Smith and Thompson should not take a 3 unless they have the ball with 2 seconds on the shot clock. The person giving them the ball on the perimeter with the clock winding down is also at fault.

More than anything we have a maturity, basketball IQ, or experience issue. Green, Davis, Durham, and Smith aren't lacking experience. Thompson has been with the team for 3 years.

I would insist they follow the game plan and the scouting report or they don't play. I don't know any other way for this team to understand they all have to be on the same page.

IU 78 NW 65

 

[MG80]

IU 67
North 58

If we can't beat a really bad team with 7 scholarship players at home Archie should resign on the spot. In reality we should win by 20 but we all know this team can't hold leads.

I agree. Especially if we continue to see Rob playing at such a low ebb. If that’s the case the game could be closer than expected.

 

[Columbus-Boiler]

Northwestern seems to be about the only thing that you can label a "sure thing" in the Big10 for our two offensive/effort challenged teams.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

Does that include dancing in the concourse with Tom crean and screaming hoo hoo hoosiers?

I was thinking we cut down the nets and get some rings made if we win. Compared to the last time...when we actually lost the game.

Perhaps only team in history to cut down the nets at home...after losing the game.

 

[bailey777]

View embedded media

Millennials really know how to celebrate a BIG WIN!!!

Lol

 

[Crossblock]

I see IU winning in large part because we have more healthy players. However we have no confidence in our offense and shooting, and Northwestern historically has been a team that seems to force teams to play at their tempo and down to their level.

IU 56 NW 49

 

[gmhowes]

Our issues are correctable. I have to agree with Archie that our shooting will improve when it comes out of sharing the ball to shooters ready to shoot. Green and any of the guards are not going to shoot a good percentage creating their own 3 point shots.

Green takes shots as if he passes up a shot that he will not get another chance. Some players need to understand the defense is leaving them an open for a reason. Smith and Thompson should not take a 3 unless they have the ball with 2 seconds on the shot clock. The person giving them the ball on the perimeter with the clock winding down is also at fault.

More than anything we have a maturity, basketball IQ, or experience issue. Green, Davis, Durham, and Smith aren't lacking experience. Thompson has been with the team for 3 years.

I would insist they follow the game plan and the scouting report or they don't play. I don't know any other way for this team to understand they all have to be on the same page.

IU 78 NW 65

There are.not any I’s in team.

 

[ufo33]

IU 68
Northwestern 62

 

[Radio Zero]

There are.not any I’s in team.

But there is in “win.”

 

[ufo33]

IU 68
Northwestern 62

I came within 2 points!
IU 66
NW 62

 

[mike41703]

I came within 2 points!
IU 66
NW 62

impressive

 

[IU? I'm Fine]

I came within 2 points!
IU 66
NW 62

Very nice prediction.

It is a lot of fun to put here a SWAG prediction then see how close one comes. Well played ufo.