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PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas – Indiana eased past Providence 89-73, to save some face at the end of a frustrating tour through the No. 15 Hoosiers’ first appearance in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Here are three reasons why:
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Renewed effort
Providence (5-3) looked out on its feet by game’s end Friday, after playing the late game the night before. But that can’t be Indiana’s problem right now. After consecutive chastening performances against Louisville and Gonzaga, the Hoosiers can only concern themselves with their own business, and they took care of that Friday.
Buoyed by greatly improved guard play, IU pushed the pace against the weary Friars, often catching Providence struggling to get back on defense from missed baskets and turnovers. The Hoosiers made the most of the free-throw line, hitting their first 12 attempts of the game.
At halftime, 12 assists on 15 made baskets, compared to just four turnovers, told the story of a team much more connected and efficient offensively. There were still some concerning defensive breakdowns, but Indiana isn’t going to fix all its problems in 72 hours. This was a decent start.
Insider: On the brink is no place for IU to live, and yet here we are — again.
Defense still concerning
Again, not everything will get fixed immediately. Recovery has to start somewhere, and there were moments when the Hoosiers (5-2) looked sharper and tougher at the defensive end. They forced multiple shot clock violations or near-violations in the first half.
But they also still looked disorganized in rotation and weak against the dribble. A Providence team built around drive-and-kick principles got too much of what it wanted Friday, to the tune of 10 made 3-pointers, and the Hoosiers need to be better around the rim without simply leaving every mess for Oumar Ballo to clean up.
That’s how a game IU should’ve put away quietly after taking a 19-point lead in the second half tightened to within single…
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Author : Indianapolis Star
Publish date : 2024-11-29 18:07:00
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