Indiana vs Creighton: Hoosiers smack the Bluejays

The Indiana Hoosiers are doing what they do best: Score points. If you follow Hoosier basketball, then you know that’s a tremendous sign.

Before the game Thursday night, many assumed this would Indiana’s first true test. A Big Ten vs. Big East matchup in the Gavitt Tipoff Games. Many assumed the Hoosiers might struggle playing against a team that plays the same of type of style they do.

Those who assumed couldn’t be more wrong. The Bluejays were grounded Thursday night.

Indiana came out guns blazing and didn’t look back. The Hoosiers dominated on both ends of the floor. After thrashing Eastern Illinois and Austin Peay, questions needed to be answered about whether Indiana’s defense, management of turnovers, and size would handle tougher competition.

The Hoosiers are starting to find their identity as a team. Yes, they can run-and-game about as good as anyone, but they have more weapons. Indiana showed against Creighton that they can play inside out, and that is thanks to Thomas Bryant.

The presence of Bryant allows Indiana to space the floor even more. They showed again that they can knock down 3-pointers all over the court, 10 to be exact, but they were also able to score in the post into Bryant who finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. The performance of the big man demonstrates how versatile Indiana is on the offensive side of the court. Not to mention, Bryant has a 7’6″ wingspan, which is why he tallied four blocks against the Bluejays.

Another thing Bryant possesses that Indiana big men didn’t have in Hanner Perea or Devin Davis, heart. After watching Bryant rebounding a missed shot, Bryant ran down the floor and beat the Bluejay defense. He got an easy lay-up because of heart. Indiana hasn’t seen a big man beat the opposing team down the court in a sprint since Cody Zeller.

It’s still early, but the early view on Bryant couldn’t be more promising and exciting for Hoosier nation.

One of the biggest headaches and concerns about this team before the season began was if Indiana would/could play better defense.

Creighton came into Assembly Hall averaging 98 points a game. They were held to 65 points. The smothering Hoosier defense nearly made Creighton’s outside shooting invisible as the Bluejays shot just three-of-18 from beyond the arc. Creighton hit zero in the second half.

That is progress in my book.

Next: Puerto Rico Tipoff Preview and Predictions

IU’s defense was what propelled the Hoosiers to their third victory of the 
season, James Blackmon said after Thursday’s game. “I feel like if we wouldn’t have had that defense, it could’ve been an up-and-down game, and it could’ve went either way,” Blackmon said.

Look out Maui, here they come.