Indiana 78, Purdue 61: Hoosiers make statement at Mackey.
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 5, 2012 10:31 AM EST
in Indiana Hoosiers Basketball
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PrintWow. That felt pretty good, didn't it? Playing without starting point guard Verdell Jones III and in an arena where IU had won only 11 times previously, the Hoosiers asserted themselves for the entire game and won 78-61. The final score doesn't truly reflect the reality that the game could have gone either way until the final couple of minutes, but as it stands, this was IU's most lopsided win at Mackey since 1984 and Purdue's most lopsided home loss since a loss to Ohio State in 2007. It also was Tom Crean's first win over the Boilermakers after an 0-5 start, and IU's first Big Ten road win against anyone other than Penn State since 2008. I have said before that I thought the "road struggles" meme was overplayed, and this may not even have been the best of IU's four road wins this season (NC State is now 17-7 and 6-3 in the ACC). But it's been a constant source of discussion, and a comfortable win at Purdue is about the best way imaginable to put that issue to rest.
The way the game played out is roughly how I might have expected it to go on a neutral court. As expected, Travis Carroll was no match for Cody Zeller. Victor Oladipo, starting at point guard in place of Jones, was very effective at getting to the basket. IU controlled the boards, grabbing 44 percent of its offensive rebound opportunities and holding Purdue to 28 percent. The shooting wasn't a thing of beauty from either side. IU finished the game shooting 41 percent and Purdue 29 percent. In what has to be a first in IU's trips to Mackey, the Hoosiers held a decided advantage at the free throw line. IU was 29-35 from the line compared to 14-21 for Purdue (that is skewed a bit by Purdue fouling late when behind, including when hopelessly behind. IU shot only 3-10 from three point range, while Purdue was 5-21. Purdue got many more opportunities than IU, thanks to typically excellent turnovers (3 for Purdue, although IU's 11 turnovers, 16.3 percent, was pretty good compared to what the Hoosiers usually do.
As good as Oladipo was (a career-high 23 points and 8 boards), the key individual performance was from freshman Remy Abell. Abell's playing time has been very uneven this year, but he has always impressed with his poise and fearlessness. That was never more the case than last night, when he scored 13 points on 5-6 shooting. With 1:30 remaining, the IU lead had been fluctuating between 4 and 6 points for about four minutes, but when Abell buried a three pointer from the corner to give IU a 9 point lead, the game was all but over. Other individual performances:
- Cody Zeller was 4-7 from the field and finished with 16 points thanks to a strong performance from the line.
- Jordan Hulls had a rough shooting night, 4-10 from the field and 0-3 from deep.
- Christian Watford has a rough night offensively, finish 0-7 from the field and with only 4 points, but had 6 boards and played solid defense.
- Derek Elston was was a little rugged, shooting 1-6 from the field but also was solid on the boards.
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Mackey Arena:
“Defense lives here but offense sure as hell doesn’t.”
Solid win. Really proud of Remy and Oladipo. They both will only get better. Can’t wait to see the excuses from Purdue fans. I’m sure they whole ‘we got screwed by the refs’ will be the dominant theme but they dug their own grave with that one. The Boilers came out of the gate flopping left and right and I hear that Teddy V hates teams that flops and will punish them for it. Also the reality is that IU made the refs blow the whistles by driving and drawing contact. Teams that stand around and shoot contested 3s don’t get to the line very often. That’s called basketball 101.
I’d also like to express my appreciation for the Paint Crew who took it upon themselves to NOT get loud and NOT make Mackey a tough place to play as they typically do. I swear throughout most of the game I heard the contingent of IU fans chanting just as often as I heard the Paint Crew. Oh and that brings up another group I’d like to thank: The season ticket holders at Mackey who sold oh so many of their tickets to IU fans. That’s some Boiler pride for you.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Feb 5, 2012 10:48 AM EST reply actions
*the whole *that flop *their whistles
I really should look over my my comments before I hit ‘post’.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Feb 5, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
I hate the John Purdue Club members
Those seats have basically gone empty the entire year. Complete waste of money.
I agree
I’m a JPC member but not at the giving level to lease seats. Burke’s whole leasing seat debacle is a joke.
by GeorgiaBoiler on Feb 5, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
Old rich fans are problematic for any school
On the one hand they donate a lot of money and are influential in many positive ways.
On the other hand they may simply not show up, or if they do, they won’t make much noise, stand, etc.
And they absolutely won’t wear costumes. Why is that I wonder?
The answer is to provide them somewhere cushy to sit that is nowhere near the court. I’ve come around a bit on my view of boxes in college football – on the one hand I think college sports fandom should not be segregated like a Roman colliseum, but on the other… get those people out of my game – so many don’t contribute to the atmosphere.
We've been to 2 games this year
and I’d guess those seats aren’t 20% occupied and one of these games was the Illinois game. The seats just sit empty, I think the whole thing is a joke and they need to come up with another way to stroke the egos of the old, rich alums.
by GeorgiaBoiler on Feb 5, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Ahhhh....a beautiful Sunday morning!
The sun is shining, IU beat Purdue at Mackey, the Marching Hundred is performing pre game at the Super Bowl, and most of the Purdue trolls are nowhere to be found.
Life is good.
A sassy, brassy, classy lassy.
by LoneStarHoosier on Feb 5, 2012 12:39 PM EST reply actions
I have to say, you guys played a great game.
Congrats on the big win; IU definitely earned it.
Any update on Watford? He went down pretty hard and I don’t remember seeing him the rest of the night. Hopefully he’s ok.
As always, I hope you lose the rest of your games, but we’ll see you again in March!
Boiler up!
"Hummel for three..... BULLSEYE!!!"
Thanks. Watford did come back in.
The Crimson Quarry, SB Nation's Indiana Hoosiers blog
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 5, 2012 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sheehey deserves a bullet point
His overall line was not great, but his freaking awesome block on Jackson’s layup attempt after that steal was the play that won the game. At that moment, you are staring at the lead shrinking to 2, after a bad turnover, with about 2:00 to go. Wilbur never quits on the play, gets a block that is clean, and Watford gets the rebound, with a foul and converts the two free throws. That completely deflated the entire arena. Next offensive possession, Remy hits his three and as you note: GAME OVER.
Also, with all of the talk comparing the two schools over the last week, and discussion of IU’s fine arts presence, it’s good to see that the Purdue drama program is alive and well.
Yeah, I can’t believe I forgot to mention Sheehey. What a great block that was.
Regarding the Purdue drama program, I don’t want to be a sore winner, I really don’t. But as I mentioned in the post, what Purdue fans have been saying about IU’s program the last couple of years has gone beyond the usual and understandable gloating. They really did seem to sincerely believe that Crean is a drooling idiot and that Painter could win 25 games even if he had Ball State’s roster. I’m sure that losing by 17 to IU on their homecourt goes beyond disappointment and must be difficult to process mentally.
The Crimson Quarry, SB Nation's Indiana Hoosiers blog
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 6, 2012 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
honestly I've looked into it
and it really is a university standoff between the two. IU will release one set of information on its admission and academic standards and Purdue will release the opposite. You’d think it is a state secret. They obviously have at some point coordinated what information they release to the public, because you can’t find comparable information anywhere between the two schools. The only comparable statistics I can find is that Indiana accepts 71% of applications, Purdue 68% and that really doesn’t tell the tale of who is anyone is the better school. More than likely their academic performances are negligible in difference. Purdue’s engineering program boosts their profile from their more general majors as much as IU’s business, music and SPEA boost its profile.
-Contributing Writer at The Crimson Quarry.
I will point out that IU's acceptance rate last year was near 80%
and is expected to drop again next year. Because of pressure from the state, IU is becoming more and more exclusive. Still you’re looking at classes of 9,500 instead of 10,000.
-Contributing Writer at The Crimson Quarry.
Actually, my reference to the drama program was just a nod to all of their flops
So annoying. If you are not a good shooter — and let’s be honest, in Big Ten play, no one on that team outside of maybe Byrd is a good shooter — just get your feet set and try to make a basket without adding the flop for effect. Also, any idea why Painter was so exorcised about the foul on Oladipo early on that he got T’d up? Not sure how you can complain about that call.
by hoosierdaddynow on Feb 6, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Painter T
We were dumbfounded by this too. I think he was trying to argue that they got the block before leveling Oladipo with the body. Even if that were true, that much body contact is going to get called no matter what. Side note, I really have no idea why Zeller went up so soft right before that, he usually goes up and throws that down hard.
by WhySoSeriousCaptain on Feb 6, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
I don't blame them too much.
They had 3 years where they were a clearly better program with Final Four hopes while IU would’ve gladly taken an NIT appearance. That situation very likely won’t ever happen again. Little brothers learn early to get their licks in when the getting is good.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Feb 6, 2012 11:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
First time even getting on the internet since the game
Really did love the effort from the players on Saturday. They just plain wanted it more than the Boilers. Case in point, Jordy sprinting across court and beating everyone to the ball to save it back in for a Will Sheehey second chance shot. All the players out there were playing their hearts out. You didn’t see that with Purdue. In fact, on one breakaway conversion, Hummel, LewJack and Byrd all just walked to the other end of the court instead of getting down and setting up in their offense.
Will say that even though Oladipo was fantastic, we did miss Verdell in certain aspects of the game. Zeller didn’t get a lot of touches and I think that had a lot to do with Jones’ absence.
Overall the team could have been a lot better. Didn’t shoot that well and of the 11 turnovers, 7 were unforced. Dribbling off feet, crossing over in front of a defender, just silly little mistakes. That really needs to tighten up next year, if we expect to make the leap into nationally competitive.
-Contributing Writer at The Crimson Quarry.
while most casual fans don't see
VJ3’s positives I’m sure Crean still does. He’ll keep getting PT once he’s healthy and we’ll be better for it. I did like seeing Remy out there, though. He had a hell of a game.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Feb 6, 2012 11:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
ITH
I was a little disappointed at some of the reaction after the game at Inside the Hall. There were several commentors there who wanted to make the case that this game shows that VJ3 should not be playing, at least not at Remy’s expense. Look, Verdell frustrates me, too, sometimes. And it probably would be great to see Remy’s minutes grow to about 20 and Verdell’s cut back to about 25. But I just don’t get the mindset that, after an inspiring victory over our arch rivals, you want to take a dig at one of your own players.
by hoosierdaddynow on Feb 6, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
I sincerely believe some of it is psychological
Verdell was a big part of the program when IU sucked and people are so ready to move away from that time in all possible ways, including dismissing Verdell.
The rest is that most of what Verdell does for the team isn’t easily apparent and that yes, he can make some dumb choices now and then.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Feb 6, 2012 2:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Also, as has been pointed out before...
… Verdell’s mistakes are often quite visible, whereas his contributions (assists, for example) go unnoticed.
Yes, as a player, he’s got physical limits, as well as some outright flaws. He often plays too fast for his body to keep up (hence the turnovers). He once in a while gets his energy up and goes “Ready. Fire. Aim” with his drives or shots. He doesn’t always make the best decisions. Yet, when the entire picture is looked at, he’s a net positive. But people only care to look at the negative.
I hate sounding snobbish, but I fear that too many of his dedicated detractors are actually not all that basketball conversant. They know enough to identify more than the casual fan, but they don’t go any deeper. I’ll criticize him along with anybody else, but I’ll also acknowledge the good things he does. I’ll at least try to look at the big picture. Too many people do not. And that distresses me.
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"First they came for the ugly, and I did not speak out because I was not ugly.
Then they came for the nerds, and I did not speak out because D&D IS A RESPECTABLE GAME WITH A LARGE PLAYERBASE OK MOM???
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because let's be real they always come for the Jews.
Then they came for me, and I did not speak out because they actually came for me back when they came for the nerds."
--
"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."
This.
I think it’s interesting to see what people forgive and condemn in players. For example, you don’t often see people bagging on Jordan Hulls when he misses a lot of threes, turns the ball over, drives the lane against taller and more athletic defenders and misses or turns it over, or just flat-out gets beat by taller, faster guys.
People seem to assume that Verdell’s sins originate from not trying or not doing the good things he’s capable of. I just don’t think the first has been true this year, and as for the second, he’s not been alone on that score.
A sassy, brassy, classy lassy.
by LoneStarHoosier on Feb 7, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Actually... I *have* seen people bagging on Hulls.
But I get what you mean. For example, I love the heck out of Oladipo’s play, but there are times that it seems as though he commits as many mistakes as Verdell. Heck, there are times I’ve wondered if next year’s meme will be “Dammit, Victor!”.
And going back to Hulls: I’ve seen people bag on him, then others come in and say things like “he’s a shooting guard being asked to play point” or things like that. Whereas with VJIII, it’s “Gawd, he sucks at life; someone go get a time machine and go back and abort him”. Totally, totally unfair.
I don’t have any idea why people want to openly hate on Jones. That confuses me. It’s not like they watch the game closely or something.
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"First they came for the ugly, and I did not speak out because I was not ugly.
Then they came for the nerds, and I did not speak out because D&D IS A RESPECTABLE GAME WITH A LARGE PLAYERBASE OK MOM???
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because let's be real they always come for the Jews.
Then they came for me, and I did not speak out because they actually came for me back when they came for the nerds."
--
"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."
Still, it's irritating to see people call for Verdell to not play because the team or Remy had a good game in his absence.
It’s not true and it’s not kind for a guy who’s a Hoosier and has been with us since the beginning of Crean’s tenure. If this season is considered to be a reward for anyone’s virtue and patience, it’s his.
A sassy, brassy, classy lassy.
by LoneStarHoosier on Feb 7, 2012 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
I saw that too.
Those are the same sorts of people that start doubling their bets because they finally hit the color or number at roulette. They’re enamored of small sample sizes indicating general trends, and they’ll hammer individual data points as decisive evidence just because it’s the last data point they can point at.
That’s the case here. I’m damn glad for Remy, but Jones was one of the factors throughout the season that got this team to where it’s at. I want to see Remy succeed too, but that desire can’t make one throw out a guy who’s effect on assists and ability to drive and create help the team beyond scoring. Problem is, those folks will point at the Purdue game and go “See? See? Remy.” without thinking about the terms “sample size” and “statistically significant”.
I guess there’s an advantage to seeing those “single point of validation” people sound off, though. They’re definitely the people you want to see at the poker table when you sit down…
--------
"First they came for the ugly, and I did not speak out because I was not ugly.
Then they came for the nerds, and I did not speak out because D&D IS A RESPECTABLE GAME WITH A LARGE PLAYERBASE OK MOM???
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because let's be real they always come for the Jews.
Then they came for me, and I did not speak out because they actually came for me back when they came for the nerds."
--
"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."
Looks like we fell to #23 in both polls.
I had honestly thought we would hold steady after basically breaking even this past week.
Loss on the road to a ranked team
Blowout win on the road vs an unranked but still bitter and energetic rival.
I suppose it all came down to how badly we shot in the first halves of both games. Really need to hold serve this week.
A sassy, brassy, classy lassy.
by LoneStarHoosier on Feb 6, 2012 12:59 PM EST reply actions
I haven’t compared what IU’s resume to that of the other teams that have moved up or down. I think the last week has enhanced IU’s resume compared to where we stood last week, but others may have accomplished more than us. The human polls are a sideshow, anyway. We are 17 in RPI, 9 in Pom, 10 in Sagarin. If the guys can keep their heads on straight I really think we could be in for a very strong finish to the season.
The Crimson Quarry, SB Nation's Indiana Hoosiers blog
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Feb 6, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
i missed the first half of the game
any reason why VJIII didn’t play at all?
Whenever you get stressed, always remember: RDWHAHB
Bruised shoulder from a hard foul in the Michigan game.
He should be back soon.
A sassy, brassy, classy lassy.
by LoneStarHoosier on Feb 6, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
thanks
wasn’t sure if it was performance related or injury
Whenever you get stressed, always remember: RDWHAHB
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