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Indiana Hoosiers Hosts Creighton in Tonight’s Gavitt Tipoff Game

By Dave McKee

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In a break from the Maui Invitational action, the Indiana Hoosiers will host the Creighton Bluejays in tonight’s Gavitt Tipoff Game. This is their first meeting between the programs since the 1974-75 season.

WHO: #15 Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) vs. Creighton Blue Jays (2-0)
WHEN: Tonight, 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT
WHERE: Assembly Hall (Bloomington, IN)

TV: BTN
RADIO: Don Fischer on IU Radio Network Affiliate WIBC
STREAM: BTN2GO

Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers return to the Branch McCracken Court in Assembly Hall to host the Creighton Blue Jays in a battle of two undefeated teams. Fresh off an impressive 107-76 victory over the Austin Peay Governors, this game will be the Hoosiers first test of the season. With all five starters averaging at least 10 points-per-game, Indiana’s offensive prowess is a pick-your-poison offensive attack.

The starting five consists of three returning starters on the perimeter from last season – Yogi Ferrell, James Blackmon Jr, and Troy Williams – added to the mix is graduate transfer Max Bielfeldt and freshman Thomas Bryant in the post. with all the pieces fitted together  Indiana is averaging 95 points per game to start the season.

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Defensively, the Hoosier are still developing cohesion but have the raw talent and athleticism to force turnovers and quickly get into the transition offense. As the season goes on, their defensive identity will become much clearer. As it stands, Indiana is only two games into the season and have yet to play a team of their own caliber, until now. That’s what makes their matchup against Creighton intriguing.

In Wednesday’s press conference, Indiana coach Tom Crean previewed the Hoosiers matchup against Creighton. “This is a very hard preparation because frankly they’re better at what we want to be good at,” said Crean. “Everybody has a hard job because you have to be alert and aware,” Crean said. “You can’t watch the ball or someone is going to be cutting behind you or standing wide open for a three in the corner.”

Before they travel to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, the Indiana Hoosiers must first take care of business against Creighton in their Gavitt Tipoff Game. Indiana represents the Big Ten Conference in this annual eight-game series between the Big Ten and Big East conferences. Indiana cannot afford to overlook the Blue Jays before they board their early morning flight to Hawaii.

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Creighton Blue Jays

As previously stated, Creighton utilizes their athleticism to push the ball up the floor in transition and score from the perimeter. The scoring tandem of Nevada transfer Cole Huff and junior guard Isaiah Zierden lead Creighton offensive attack. Zierden leads the team in scoring with 19.5 points per game. Huff averages 14.5 points and 5 rebounds per game. This will be a homecoming for Blue Jays’ freshman guard Drew Cayce, who hails from La Porte, Indiana. In two games, Cayce has yet to see the floor, but could see some spot minute tonight in his return home.

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Looking at the Blue Jays’ stats from their first two games, it is easy to see why this game will be a true test of Indiana’s defense. Nearly 50 percent of Creighton’s field goal attempts are from the perimeter and their defense has been successful in holding their opponents to only 74 points per game. The chink in their armor is at the charity stripe where they only shoot 60%. Keep a close eye on the free throw shooting as this game looks for all intensive purposes to be a shootout instead of a knock-down-drag-out defensive game. Free throws may be the deciding factor in tonight’s game.

Next: Puerto Rico Tip-Off Preview and Predictions

Tonight’s game will be the Indiana’s first defensive test and a benchmark for the program’s progress. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm tonight and will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. As always, Be sure to check back for more Indiana Hoosiers coverage here at Ink On Indy! Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook; you can even join our Google Community to discuss your thoughts on all our Indiana teams!

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