Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Hoosiers Handle Spartans, Down Another Top 5 Opponent

Cody Zeller led the charge on the offensive end with 18 points, and the Indiana Hoosiers beat the #5 ranked Michigan State Spartans 70-55 last night in front of a raucous home crowd at Assembly Hall.

Victor Oladipo pitched in 13 points while Christian Watford had 10 points and 14 rebounds, a career high.  The Hoosiers dominated this game from start to finish, and it is looking like they have gotten past their January slump that saw them lose games to some inferior opponents like Nebraska.

These Hoosiers looked good from start to finish last night, dominating on the offensive end while making life difficult for MSU players not named Draymond Green.  That man was an absolute bear last night, yet the Hoosiers weren't afraid and decided to let Green try to beat them single-handedly.  The crowd was insane, and I am bold enough to say that the IU crowd/fans are in the top five in the country when it comes to loudness.  Duke and UNC are right there, but Hoosier nation is revitalized and roaring these days even more than usual.  Even during the previous three years of losing teams, Indiana games sold out.  But now the Hoosiers are must-see television and are performing at an amazing level in the biggest games.

You can just see the confidence this team is playing with right now.  Head coach Tom Crean has them sold on what they are doing, and they are peaking at the right time now.  I know that had an ugly loss to Iowa, but these Hoosiers are looking to continue to play well and strengthen their seed in the tournament.  Having beaten the likes of Kentucky, Ohio State, and Michigan State, all top 5 opponents, the Hoosiers play great in these pressure situations.  These statement wins prove they can do it come March.  The remarkable thing about this whole turnaround is the fact that they only really added Cody Zeller to the mix this year.  Next year, the #2 recruiting class is coming in, so these Hoosiers can be scary good for years to come with guys wanting to come play at IU.

Regarding the game, there isn't much more to say other than reiterate the dominance of this effort.  With one more tuneup before the Big Ten Tournament, IU looks ready to make some noise.

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