Indiana basketball is back in the NCAA tournament mix and playing with purpose
While conducting his postgame interview with CBS on Branch McCracken Court, Mike Woodson was suddenly swarmed by his Hoosier players. They rubbed his head and shoulders and jumped up and down around him in celebration.
IU had just displayed a masterful performance, outscoring in-state rival No. 13 Purdue 48-21 in the second half for a 73-58 win that propelled the team right back into NCAA tournament talks. Adding another tally to the marquee win total, Indiana’s resume was boosted.
Since news of Woodson’s resignation at the season’s end, the Hoosiers have changed their tune. While a 2-2 record since isn’t eye-popping, IU’s difference in play has been noticeable – more inspiration, more effort, more purpose. The timing isn’t a coincidence.
“We’re all playing for each other because we’re all in it together,” Trey Galloway said postgame. “Obviously, this is Coach’s last year, and we want to make it special for him. We want to make it special for everyone.”
Indiana’s win on Sunday afternoon was undoubtedly special. Rallying from down 12 at the half, IU punched back. It showed grit and heart on the floor and out-toughed the Boilermakers, largely evident by a 44-18 scoring advantage in the paint.
The emotions displayed told the true story – Luke Goode and Malik Reneau firing up the student section, Oumar Ballo sticking his tongue out while hanging on the rim post-alley-oop. And while this isn’t always true, those emotions fueled the dominant showing.
The magnitude of the rivalry certainly influenced the passion on display, but it wasn’t the only reason why. In a game dominated by the senior class, it was one last chance to regain bragging rights.
“They are seniors. This is their last go,” Woodson said postgame. “It was the seniors that carried us tonight and I refused to change up anything much throughout the course of the second half,” he added earlier.
To Woodson’s point, it’s the last year for homegrown products like Anthony Leal, Galloway, and Goode, plus Ballo’s final year. It’s why the ferociousness at hand wasn’t a one-time occurrence; it’s been the case since the Michigan loss.
That’s why the Hoosiers have refused to give up. Even when they were down 17 points in the second half to Michigan, down 12 to Purdue, or staving off a Michigan State push, they did not quit.
Indiana in February isn’t Indiana from November – who stared down defeat just to close its eyes. Whether it be for Woodson, the seniors, or just to win, the Hoosiers aren’t done just yet.
That said, it’s a long road ahead. While there are still plenty of potholes and hazards, the roadblocks are out of the way.
Before Sunday, IU was listed in the “next four out” of ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi’s bracketology. At CBSSports.com, Jerry Palm had the Hoosiers as the first team out of the field.
Then, according to NET metrics, Indiana got its second-best win of the season.
If they weren’t already, the Hoosiers are in position to be in position. Now free from the toughest stretch of the season – IU played five ranked opponents (Purdue twice) in its last seven games – with four regular season contests remaining, the path to a bid is clear.
However, there isn’t much room for error. Currently, only one game, at Oregon, is a Quad 1 opportunity, with Ohio State teetering on the edge of Quad 1 and 2.
Sunday’s win lifted Indiana to 4-11 in Quad 1 opportunities. The Hoosiers are 12-0 in Quads 2, 3 and 4. For the NCAA tournament to remain in reach, it likely has to stay that way.
As has often been the case this season, the Hoosiers control their destiny. If they finish the regular season as expected, poach a game or maybe two in the Big Ten tournament – they’d enter as the No. 10 seed as of now – a postseason berth should be attained.
Of course, that’s a big if – Indiana seemingly has more ups and downs than a mountain range. But it’s also no longer in the realm of possibilities category – it’s for real.
The Hoosiers’ first task is to take care of business against Penn State. The 15-13 Nittany Lions will visit town for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip Wednesday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
