Within the fourth yr of IU head coach Mike Woodson’s tenure, it’s at all times been about “getting over the hump.” Following back-to-back missed alternatives to realize Quad 1 victories, the Hoosiers are climbing and nearing the summit.
So, which course will they go?
Regardless of the outcomes, which in the end matter most, Indiana’s high quality of play has dramatically improved in its previous 4 video games. It was close to unattainable to be any much less spectacular than its back-to-back 25-point losses to Iowa and Illinois, however the Hoosiers have performed like a strong, respectable crew these days.
Within the back-and-forth rivalry sport at Purdue, the Hoosiers performed a few of their finest basketball but couldn’t shut it out as a result of an abundance of errors – their probability to steal a resume booster and achieve momentum slipped away.
Indiana did a variety of issues proper in opposition to the Boilermakers. It restricted Purdue’s 3-point capabilities whereas connecting on seven of its personal, had a number of sturdy performances from gamers who’ve struggled and, most significantly, took each punch and swung proper again.
Nonetheless, the Hoosiers made too many errors to beat the No. 10 crew within the nation. Along with 20 turnovers, IU shot 56.3 p.c from the free-throw line and crumbled underneath strain within the closing 11 seconds, squandering a golden alternative.
If that loss doesn’t sting probably the most for Hoosier followers, then Indiana’s earlier end result in opposition to Maryland definitely did. In a contest the place, just like the Purdue sport, the Hoosiers overcame a second-half deficit to realize management down the stretch, it was a final-minute collapse that spelled IU’s demise.
“The excellent news is we’re in these video games,” Trey Galloway mentioned following the Purdue loss. “However we’ve bought to complete. I feel simply making the suitable performs down the stretch is the distinction.”
Indiana’s four-game stretch is conflicting, with blended alerts to be interpreted at one’s will.
On one hand, the Hoosiers have performed arguably their most constant basketball. Depth, connectivity and good play have been constant all through many of the stretch.
That mentioned, IU is 1-3 in its final 4 contests, the only real win coming from a gritty efficiency at Ohio State. The Hoosiers might have been 3-1 on this stint if not for just a few seconds of essential errors.
Indiana is now at a crossroads. This season’s hump could be conquered with the NCAA event nonetheless within the image, however can the Hoosiers use their latest losses as classes and make the suitable adjustments? Or will the missed alternatives squash all momentum and begin a collapse?
By the tip of the yr, IU’s loss at Purdue might be seen because the season’s benchmark. Indiana’s upcoming run of video games now turns into its most vital of the season; the query is how the crew will reply.
Following the rivalry heartbreaker, senior middle Oumar Ballo was visibly upset and let everybody know. After showing to berate Myles Rice within the closing huddle after Rice’s missed shot try to take the lead with seconds left, Ballo skipped the handshake line on the closing buzzer, acknowledging Trey Kaufman-Renn earlier than heading to the locker room.
Some would interpret it because the type of fireplace and fervour the Hoosiers have lacked all yr, the sort that deserves profitable when appropriately moderated. Others could name it an indication of dysfunction and a foreshadowing of a collapse.
Solely time will inform.
The street doesn’t get simpler. If something, it heats up much more.
Beginning with a matchup Tuesday within the Kohl Heart at Wisconsin, the place the Hoosiers are seemingly cursed and looking for their first win on the venue since 1998, IU’s residence match in opposition to Purdue on Feb. 23 will mark seven straight video games in opposition to prime 30 KenPom groups.
The tougher the matchup, the extra Indiana might achieve from it, whether or not that be momentum or bolstering its resume. Within the Massive Ten, the one factor to anticipate is the surprising.
Within the eyes of many bracketologists, equivalent to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the Hoosiers are outdoors the NCAA event, however a bid continues to be effectively inside attain. As a lot noise as there was round IU, not all hope is misplaced.
That being mentioned, the hump nonetheless looms giant.
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