Michigan State 72, Indiana 58: better effort, same result.

by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 17, 2010 5:52 AM EST

When Christian Watford scored the first basket of the game, the 2-0 lead was IU's first lead since the Purdue game. IU last tied the game with around 10 minutes left in the first half, meaning that IU was competitive for a quarter of the game. It's sad to cling to that as some sign of improvement, but that's where this program is. As expected, MSU dominated the boards--but only at one end of the court. MSU grabbed 11 offensive rebounds to IU's 13 defensive rebounds. On their own end, IU managed 17 offensive boards to 13 defensive boards by MSU. Of course, some is this is a function of IU's 34 percent shooting, but the Hoosiers did manage to hang in on the offensive boards and got more second chance points than MSU (21-14). Also, keeping this from being a really ugly score, IU shot 25-28 from the line. Unfortunately, IU's turnover problems continued: 16 in a game that was below 60 possessions if my early morning math is correct.

Individual performances:

Verdell Jones III continues to play well, scoring 20 points on 9 attempts.
Christian Watford scored 14 on 9 attempts.
Jeremiah Rivers continued to struggle: 1-5 from the field, 3 turnovers, but he was 2-2 from the line.

IU assisted only 5 of its meager 15 field goals. So, what next? IU heads to the Barn this weekend, then hosts Wisconsin during the week, and then heads to Iowa. Minnesota is struggling, but Williams Arena is always a tough environment. We'll see.

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I'm not to opptomistic about the rest of the schedule.

I still remember that 50 point whooping Minny put on us a decade ago. Watching the game I never really felt we had a chance, you could actually see the gap in talent between IU and MSU. Without the free throws we get completely embarassaed at home. I just want to know how is it that all these teams shoot lights out. I know IU doesn’t play the best D in the world but still every single shot goes in for whoever we’re playing. Maybe I’m just seeing it that way because we’ve been abismal for yet another season. I don’t get to see many IU games based on my location but when I do I like to see them compete and make me believe we are going to win, or at least that they think they have a chance. Our team has packed it up for the season; you can see it on their faces. And for the love of god some one teach Rivers how to shoot.

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by Ditkavsworld on Feb 17, 2010 6:20 AM EST reply actions

I thought IU played pretty hard last night. We did do well on the offensive boards, at least. MSU, not quite to the degree of Ohio State, is a really tough matchup physicially. As for Rivers, I don’t want to go overboard, but he really brings nothing to the table offensively. He’s a strong defender and occasionally gets a nice breakaway steal, but his shooting and decisionmaking on offense seem to more than offset his defensive ability. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that the things he struggles with can be learned at this point in his career.

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by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 17, 2010 8:14 AM EST up reply actions

Big Ten Tourney

It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Should Purdue win tonight, I think they are in the driver’s seat for the top seed. IU currently looks like they are in that 8/9 game with Michigan. That puts them one very winnable game away from a third round with Purdue. As well as you guys played against us, I am not sure I want that.

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by BoilerTMill on Feb 17, 2010 11:30 AM EST reply actions

After the decent performance in the Purdue game, I was fantasizing about a BTT run, but it’s hard to see such a thing happening. Plus, unless IU picks up its play, we’ll lose at Iowa and end up in the 10th slot. I do think Purdue is a slightly, slightly better matchup for IU than MSU and Ohio State are, but at this point I don’t expect IU to win again.

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by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 17, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

Liked the effort

The entire game, I was thinking “I cannot believe we aren’t down 30.” IU played well, but Michigan State was just too hot from the field. On consecutive possessions where IU came away with points, they were never able to stop MSU. Just never able to get that stop.

But hey, IU’s played worse. Eventually…eventually.

by Nathan S. on Feb 17, 2010 6:00 PM EST reply actions