The Indiana Hoosiers have been seeming to struggle on road games lately. Home games? Piece of cake! Led by Christian Watford’s 18 points, the Hoosiers rallied towards a 88-54 victory over the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars.
This was the first game for IU in the Las Vegas Classic. They have three more games coming up and this is a nice way to start the invitational tournament off.
“I think it’s a tribute to how our guys came out to play today, there’s no doubt about that,” said IU Coach Tom Crean. “They were hungry to play, they were excited, they were aggressive and they kept gaining confidence as the game went on, especially in that spurt to start the game.”
Derek Elston played great, having 14 points and five rebounds. He exceptionally well in the start of the game, scoring the first ten of the 15 points IU scored to start off the licking on the Cougars.
“Derek rebounded, he ran the floor, he scored from the perimeter, he scored at the basket, he passed the ball, he screened and got open, added Crean. “He played a very complete game in a short period of time and then he continued to play well. That’s what we need. We need that kind of production from the front line and hopefully we’ll continue to get it throughout the season.”
Maurice Creek had eight points and six rebounds, Victor Oladipo had eight points and six rebounds, and Will Sheehey had eight points and four rebounds. The Hoosiers shot over 60-percent that night. Jordan Hulls had seven points and five assists, Jeremiah Rivers had six points and four rebounds, Daniel Moore had six points, and Matt Roth and Tom Pritchard had five points.
“It’s a lot more exciting,” said Crean about his teams depth. “You can put a lot more strategy in the game. I think what it does is that it keeps putting competition at the forefront of what you’re trying to build. They play together but they know that there’s somebody sitting right there.”
The Hoosiers will host South Carolina State next at home on Sunday night.
Go Hoosiers!
