Tonight is a game many of us have been waiting for since the abrupt end of Indiana's tournament run last season. Instead of focusing on the game as a rematch, Crean has preached that the Hoosiers just have to "do what they do" and play the way they know how at the Carrier Dome. It's tough to gauge where the team is after the game against Evansville, two reasons being the Purple Aces shot 29% from the floor and made just 50% of their free throws. A nice victory for the cream and crimson? Yes. However, it was a game in which IU wasn't tested and pushed by their opponents from the south. I walked away from Assembly Hall a happy man but I was also unsure of what was to come that next Tuesday. Before we get into any predictions or talk about what IU needs to do to win, below are the predicted lineups for tonight's BIG/ACC challenge game:
Indiana-ppg
Yogi Ferrell-18.1
Jeremy Hollowell-10.0
Troy Williams-9.9
Will Sheehey-11.1
Noah Vonleh-12.9
Syracuse-ppg
Tyler Ennis-11.7
Trevor Cooney-14.3
Rakeem Christmas-5.1
DaJuan Coleman-5.0
CJ Fair-18.0
Keys to a Hoosier Victory:
1. Keep Noah out of foul trouble-Currently averaging a double double, we simply cannot afford for him to lose minutes due to fouls. Until we see someone come in for him and play consistently well, it's hard to maintain my nerve every time that whistle is blown on the big man.
2. Push the ball- One of the key contributors as to why IU lost last year's game boils down to tempo. We were forced to play a slower game and jack up 3's due to SU's zone defense. Will we have some trouble tonight? Sure. Can the zone be beaten? Absolutely. Let's get some quick outlet passes and use our athleticism to run the court and tire the Orange.
3. Turnovers- IU is currently averaging, count em, 16 per game. Giving the ball away to a team as talented as Syracuse at home will turn into points at the other end. If Troy can stay calm with the ball and not run through the lane like a bull in a china shop, he could have a great game.
4. Bench play- In particular, we need a couple guys to step up off the bench. HMP must continue to develop and his length could play a major role on the defensive end tonight. Second, Luke needs to establish himself more as a lane presence and not stand at the 3 pt line. Also, Evan Gordon can apply some great defensive pressure. Finally, if Devin can maintain focus and not get lost in the atmosphere of tonight's game, we could be in for a fun ride.
Let's all take a deep breath before the game and soak it all in. Tonight is why these guys play the game...a great atmosphere, great players, and two schools that have great traditions playing in the national spotlight. As always, be positive and stay classy Hoosier fans.
"It's Indiana, it's Indiana"-Tom Crean
"The will to succeed is important, but what's more important is the will to prepare" -Bob Knight
Logistics- Syracuse, NY is 695 miles from Bloomington. A 10 hour and 28 minute drive.
Arena- The Carrier Dome can hold up to 35,000 fans for a basketball contest and was opened up on September 20, 1980.
Arena- The Carrier Dome can hold up to 35,000 fans for a basketball contest and was opened up on September 20, 1980.
Beer of choice for tonight's game- Dos Equis
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