Indiana Basketball: 3 takeaways from win vs North Alabama
By Alec Lasley
2. On Ball Defense Needs Work
Some of you are probably wondering how in the world the game was so close going into the half, and while some of it had to do with good offense being run by North Alabama, a lot of it had to do with Indiana’s inability to keep players out of the middle of the floor.
North Alabama started off the game 6-for-7 from deep, mainly due to the open looks from around the three-point line. Whether it be C.J. Brim or Christian Agnew, that duo was able to utilize their quickness to get past Indiana defenders and create open looks as the IU help defender slid over to stop the drive.
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Outside of Rob Phinisee, the Hoosiers lack another very strong on ball defender, until Devonte Green returns. While Armaan Franklin has the skillset to be a lockdown defender, he is just a freshman and learning to play in a defensive stance every possession is something that will not be there immediately.
As for Al Durham, he needs to be that guy to go along with Phinisee and Green, who is underrated as an on ball defender, as guys who can keep their man from getting in the paint. While Indiana has the length in the front court to disrupt shots in the paint, teams will take North Alabama and even Portland State’s game plan of dribble and kick as a way to beat the Hoosiers.