Three Takeaways from tough road loss to Illinois

The Little Things Still Matter.

Indiana had every opportunity to win this game today, but the little things caught up to them again. However, let's give credit to the Hoosiers for some of the good things that happened this afternoon. Indiana took care of the basketball, committing nine turnovers. Today was by far the best they've taken care of the basketball away from Assembly Hall.

The Hoosiers were active with their hands in passing lanes and contesting shots. Illinois had few easy shots and open looks this afternoon.

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However, some of the not so good tings crept up again this afternoon. Indiana had its first game without a made three-pointer since 2010. Indiana doesn't shoot a lot of three pointers; they prefer to get points closer to the basket. When the offense is working well, Indiana makes the few threes it shoots. That was not the case today.

You would think that a team that likes to drive the basket and score in the paint would be a better free throw shooting team. The Hoosiers shot 54.5 percent from the free throw line today. That will cost you in close games every time. If the Hoosiers make eight more free throws and hit two three pointers, they win the game.