What's Next?
The Hoosiers are in the midst of a nine-game winning streak. During that time, there might not be a better basketball coach at making adjustments than Teri Moren. Today, Indiana used the pick and roll to take advantage of their size. When Illinois made some defensive adjustments in the third quarter, she rotated where the screen roll started or had Holmes plant herself in the middle of the paint.
Holmes continues to get close to the all-time scoring record as the Hoosiers establish themselves as one of the teams in the Big Ten. At the same time, the Big Ten Title matters; Moren, Holmes, and the Hoosiers want a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Indiana plays Michigan at Assembly Hall as they continue their homestand.
While there are no moral victories, Illinois played well after getting down early. Like the Missouri game, Indiana took advantage of their size in the backcourt. Illinois made some sloppy mistakes early and had to give everything they had to come back and make it a game late.
The Illini have a week to regroup before hosting Wisconsin. There are a lot of positives the Illini can take away from today's game. Makira Cook gives Illinois a legitimate scoring threat if she can play at that level every night. Katie Bostic is a double-double machine. However, they need more from Genesis Bryant.
Bryant has shot under 45 percent from the field in four of her last five games, including being held scoreless against Michigan. She shot 4-11 tonight, and Illinois needed more.