Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball vs Arkansas: 3 matchups to watch

By Alec Lasley

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 26: Mason Jones #13 of the Arkansas Razorbacks goes to the basket against Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the game on January 26, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Arkansas 67-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 26: Mason Jones #13 of the Arkansas Razorbacks goes to the basket against Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the game on January 26, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Arkansas 67-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 10: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives past Brendan Adams #10 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of their game at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 10: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives past Brendan Adams #10 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of their game at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

3. Devonte Green vs Jimmy Whitt Jr

The final matchup that will go a long way in determining who comes out on top will be the Whitt-Green matchup.

While the first two matchups will be determined from the three-point line, this one will not as Jimmy Whitt has yet to attempt a single three this season. What he will kill Indiana with is his midrange jumper and ability to get into the paint.

Though he averages just 2.5 assists per game, he creates a lot of hockey assists for himself as the defense has to collapse when he gets in the lane, creating frantic closeouts for the defense, resulting in one or two passes for a wide-open shot. How does that play into Devonte Green’s defensive ability? He needs to keep Whitt in front of him.

Green has a history of being lazy at times on the defensive end and reaching for the ball instead of moving his feet to keep his matchup in front of him. With Arkansas having Mason Jones and Isaiah Joe with the ability to knock down the deep ball and get hot in a hurry, if Whitt creates opportunities for them off of Green’s poor defense, it could be a long day for the Hoosiers.

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On the flip side, Whitt loves to take a lot of chances on the defensive end as well, which could create easy opportunities for Green to get his shot going. Shooting just 3-of-16 from deep in the last three games, Devonte Green needs to find his range due to the rest of Indiana’s roster inconsistencies from three.

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