In a game that Purdue clearly had the size advantage down low, Indiana’s passion and aggression proved to be too much to handle.
Now matter what the score of this game reads, Indiana completely outplayed Purdue in every aspect. Indiana has earned my praise and earned my criticism throughout this up and down season, but now there is nothing to do but smile. Indiana did its job and defeated its bitter rivals by simply playing with more heart and passion.
The tempo of this game was made evident from the first whistle. Troy Williams and Yogi Ferrell made it clear that they were going to set the tone, and that is exactly what one should expect from team leaders in a rivalry matchup.
With 14 points each and some massive momentum-building three pointers and dunks, Williams and Ferrell provided fuel for a fire that would not stop burning.
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The biggest difference maker throughout this game was Indiana’s ability to hold on to the ball. Indiana is the worst team in the Big Ten with turnovers, but in the first half, the Hoosiers only turned it over once.
At the end of the first half, the only thing that kept Purdue in the game was Indiana’s foul trouble.
The score at half was 35-28 thanks to Collin Hartman, Juwan Morgan, Max Bielfeldt, Robert Johnson, and OG Anunoby all posting up two fouls.
Either way, the offense was rolling on all cylinders while Purdue found a way to keep it too close for comfort, which would be a theme for the remainder of the game.
Actually, that seems like a perfect way to explain the rest of the game.
Indiana continued to pour it on offensively with various guys stepping up.
As Purdue attempted to establish Caleb Swanigan in the low post, it neglected to really do anything to handle Indiana on the offensive side of the ball. Even though Purdue is known for having such a tall arsenal of low post options, the difference makers of the second half were actually Indiana’s big men.
Max Bielfeldt and Thomas Bryant changed this game.
Thomas Bryant was able to use his versatility away from the basket to spread out Purdue’s best low-post defenders, while Max Bielfeldt was quite simply able to out-work everybody in a black and gold jersey.
There was a three minute stretch in the middle of the second half where Max Bielfeldt single-handedly stole your girlfriend, your mom, and your grandma all at the same time. This stretch included two shots from the perimeter, a strong post layup, and a charge that would give A.J. Hammons his fourth foul of the game. This all resulted in a 57-40 lead coming Indiana’s way.
From that point on, the game was all about Indiana just securing the win. Of course Purdue was able to make a comeback and bring the game within two, but even that was too little too late as Indiana pulled away with the win 77-73.
Moving forward…
Indiana is in first place in the Big Ten
Who would have thought this team that got demolished in Maui, pulverized in Camden Indoor, and lost James Blackmon Jr., would actually be in first place with three games left to play?
No one.
This team has rallied around Tom Crean and now control their own destiny. Something special is going on with this team, but big questions still need to be answered with their next three matchups.
Indiana doesn’t lose at home
16-0.
Speaks for itself.
Hi Maryland! Are you busy on March 6th? Assembly Hall work for you? Works for us!
Indiana still hasn’t proved anything on the road
Hi Iowa! March 1st? OK BYEEEEEEE
Indiana hasn’t proved anything on the road in any means and its matchup against Iowa could easily determine the winner of the Big Ten. If there would ever be a time to figure out how enemy confines work, this would be it.
Troy Williams has appeared to magically find himself
Up until Wednesday, it had appeared that Troy Williams had regressed. I know it’s harsh to say, but he hasn’t been the player Indiana has needed, especially in James Blackmon Jr’s absence.
In the last two games his focus has been different. He appears to truly be allowing the game come to him. Not doing too much has always been the key for Troy and this game proved that sentiment with 19 points and most importantly four steals.
Thomas Bryant’s versatility is underappreciated
I’m not saying it’s his forte, but the man can truly dribble the ball away from the basket. It’s not something you want to see often, but when the threat was presented early in the second half, Purdue had to account for it the rest of the game. Thomas Bryant brings more value as a decoy sometimes, and that’s crucial.
Indiana wouldn’t be in the title hunt without Max Bielfeldt
Calves.
Max Bielfeldt has become the most unexpected hero for Indiana, and his ability to bring fire and energy to games has been crucial for IU. It seems like every game he is coming in off the bench and providing a lift with either a big rebound, or a big shot. Last night, it was everything.