Game Info / How to Watch

Who? Indiana Hoosiers (1-0, #27 KenPom) vs. Montana State Bobcats (0-1, #290 KenPom)

When? Friday, 11/9/18 8:00 PM, Bloomington, IN

Channel? BTN

Vegas? Indiana -26.5

KenPom Projection? Indiana 87-64

This is really the basketball preview.

For the second time in a week, Tom Crean Archie Miller has scheduled a KenPom sub-275 team. After playing one of the worst programs in the nation, Indiana will take a small step up in competition by taking on Montana State.

Considering there is still just a one-game sample size for both teams, there’s no table for this game. Instead, though, we can look at some statistics from recent years.

The Opponent

The Bobcats were ranked 302nd in defensive efficiency last year and then allowed 101 points and 1.31 points per possession against Utah State in this season’s opener.

The two leading scorers in the opener for Montana State were Tyler Hall (15 points) and Harald Frey (13 points). The duo are the main returning players for the Bobcats with Hall averaging 17.5 points and Frey averaging 13.1 points.

To be honest, that’s about all you need to know about this team.

Things to Watch

• Devonte Green vs. Rob Phinisee — Green played in the opener but came off the bench for the freshman Phinisee. Green had more points but Phinisee had the better offensive rating and likely the better game. Who starts tonight could say a lot about who starts next week when the games really matter.
• DeRon Davis’ continued return - One of the most important players on the roster last year, Davis played 12 minutes against Chicago State. He’s one of the true big men on the roster and offers a different dynamic that no other player on the roster brings. Getting him back to 100 percent could be a huge help for the team come Big Ten season.
• Three-point shooting - The Hoosiers faced a zone on Tuesday and saw two of their best shooters struggle. Green and Damezi Anderson shot a combined 2-of-9. Small sample size, one opponent, all the qualifiers apply. But getting those two back on tract ahead of the meaningful games would be nice.