SMU vs. Indiana: Keys to Victory

It may be just the third game of Indiana’s season, but when the Hoosiers welcome No. 22 SMU into Assembly Hall there is a lot at stake. This is a key non-conference contest for both squads as each are trying to build an impressive NCAA tournament resume. Both missed the tourney last year. IU because, well, they were just terrible. SMU was actually ranked for most of last year and was totally snubbed by the selection committee.

So, both have something to prove tonight. Each scheduled this game in order to strengthen its non-conference schedule as a win would definitely be a quality one in the eyes of the selection committee. Like I said, big implications despite it being just the third game. Here’s what the Hoosiers have to do in order to stay undefeated in 2014.

Rebound

The Hoosiers only had 32 boards against Texas Southern. That type of effort will not be enough against the Mustangs (they had 40 vs. No. 13 Gonzaga). Priority No. 1 for the Hoosiers has to be crashing the glass.

It has to be a team effort. Hanner Mosquera-Perea has been good down low so far, but he can’t do it alone against stiffer competition. SMU’s Yanick Moreira and Ben Moore will test the Hoosiers, and the winner of this battle could very well determine the outcome of the game.

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Contain Ben Moore

The 6’8″ sophomore power forward has been SMU’s best player so far this season. Averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, he’s done it all for the Mustangs.

Assuming Indiana’s Troy Williams returns to the starting lineup in his first game back from suspension, the duty of guarding Moore will fall to him. With his size, length and athletic ability, he’s the perfect candidate to slow down Moore. Hopefully he won’t be too rusty in his first action of the season.

Get Blackmon Jr. Going Early

James Blackmon Jr.’s first half against Texas Southern was one to forget, as the freshman shooting guard scored just two points. He finished with 19 as his teammates found him early and often when the second half got underway.

We all know Blackmon Jr. is a prolific scorer. But, he needs to get some looks in the early going. The Hoosiers are going to need plenty of offense to knock off the Mustangs, and JBJ can certainly produce.

This is the first real competition the young freshman is going to face at the college level. It’s going to be important to give him some confidence early. If point guard Yogi Ferrell can get Blackmon Jr. some favorable looks from the get-go, it will only pay off for the Hoosiers in the long run.

Prediction

With the return of Holt, Robinson and Williams, there is going to be a lot of emotion in the building. Devin Davis will be on the mind of every player and fan, which should produce an inspired performance. If this game was on a neutral floor, I’d probably give the Mustangs the edge, but seeing as it’s being played at Assembly Hall, I think the home crowd will be a factor. Hoosiers by five.

SMU 65, Indiana 70