Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers use huge second half run to win NIT opener

Indiana basketball opens up their 2019 NIT campaign with a win, using a huge second half run to open the game up.

In what was an extremely lackluster start, Indiana basketball was playing like a team that would rather be in their offseason than in a postseason tournament.

Without freshman guard Romeo Langford, who was ruled out before the game with a back injury, Indiana looked lost at times on the offensive end.

Shooting barely 40 percent from the field in the first half, Indiana went into the half trailing by six after a 25-11 run for St Francis that stretched over eight minutes.

The Hoosiers finally woke up after halftime, using a 20-2 to open up the second half, taking control of the game, eventually taking down St. Francis (PA) 89-72.

Though Indiana stretched the lead out to 18 at one point, it was timely threes by Isaiah Blackmon (21 points) and Jamaal King (19 points) for the Red Flash to keep the game within striking distance.

Taking only five threes in the second half, Indiana outscored the Red Flash 38-4 in the paint over the final 20 minutes, utilizing their length and athleticism to their advantage.

Juwan Morgan, one of four Hoosiers in double-figures, paced Indiana with 28 points and eight rebounds.

Al Durham finishes with 22 points, a career high for the sophomore guard.

The backcourt of Devonte Green and Rob Phinisee continued their great play as of late, combining for a triple-double; 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists – with just three turnovers.

Keith Braxton, the Northeast Conference Player of the Year, added nine points for St. Francis (PA).

Indiana now awaits the winner of Providence and Arkansas in their second round matchup.