Last night I watched the Indiana Hoosiers lose for the second time this year in college basketball. Both were against unranked opponents (at the time), and both were games IU should have won somewhat easily. Why?
First, let's give credit to Butler (in December) and Wisconsin (last night). Both teams made big shots, and tough shots, when it mattered. Both teams handled the end of the game situations very well (free throws, lack of turnovers, crowd noise). Both teams also took away IU's outside shooting.
Butler is now ranked in the top 20 (or top 15 depending on who you ask), and Wisconsin, who was ranked earlier in the year, will be ranked again soon. They gave the nation a blueprint on how to beat the preseason favorites: PLAY SLOW!!!
Indiana simply struggles in a slow-paced game. The Hoosiers like to get out and run, but when teams play slow and don't commit turnovers, they can't do that. The Hoosiers were forced into running an offense that limited their normal easy looks, and the physical play made them force contested jump shots... largely made of up long twos, which is the worst shot in basketball.
When the pace is slow is also takes IU's athletic advantage and makes the game more about efficiency. IU is normally efficient, but it seems that in a half court set they lose this aspect of the game. Playing slow also limits the effect of the crowd. Even last night at home, Wisconsin made the crowd an essential non-factor.
Wisconsin also owns IU mentally. They are the only team Crean hasn't beaten in the IU era. They have now won 5 in a row at Assembly Hall which is an all-time record and frankly unheard of. Butler and Wisconsin both got what they needed from all their role players, and in each game IU couldn't even get good games out of their stars (Zeller among many vs. Butler, and everyone but Zeller last night).
But like I said on Monday in the rankings, I still believe that when IU plays their best, they are unbeatable and the favorites to win it all in this season!
Andrew
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