Is Leach the difference?

Sometimes I wonder if Mike Davis carries a few bottles of antacid in his pockets. If Lloyd Bridges' character in "Airplane!" were a basketball coach, he would probably be Davis. Every IU game is an adventure in ulceration. \nSunday's 59-57 victory at Michigan was no exception, as the Hoosiers very nearly let a game that was easily in hand slip from their grasp. But as the old adage goes, a win is a win. And if that win should come on the road for a team that has struggled mightily away from home over the past two years, it's even better.\nIU played like a team desperate to win, and their determination was the difference in a win over a Michigan team that has looked more impressive than the Hoosiers in the season's early stages. (Not, ahem, that it took much). And it was the contributions from an unexpected cast of players that helped IU to the win.\nSean Kline was one player who kept his cool when IU's resilience was challenged. His late hook shot ended up being the most important basket of the game, temporarily quieting the Crisler Arena crowd. And on defense, he made the single most important play of the game, blocking Lester Abrams' shot with nine seconds remaining.\nWe also got to see the Marshall Strickland that we all remember from last season. Strickland led the way with 14 points and also had five assists and five rebounds. His stroke from 3-point range was the difference, as he nailed four of seven from behind the arc. IU fans can only hope that the confidence that he gets from this performance carries over in the rest of the Big Ten season.\nFreshman Roderick Wilmont showed that he deserves to see some more action. In 23 minutes, he scored 12 points and provided a much-needed offensive spark.\nBut the return of George Leach to the lineup might be the biggest difference in yesterday's game, and may continue to be for the rest of the year. Leach's ability to block shots changes the complexion of the game, and teams will not be able to dominate IU inside like they have in his absence.\nPerhaps the biggest reason for the IU victory was the fact that they were finally able to out-rebound an opponent. But the rebounding leader was from another unexpected source -- Bracey Wright. Wright nearly got himself a double-double, pulling down nine boards. Too often, people don't realize that he's not just a scorer, but a complete player.\nIt's important to remember that shooting comes and goes in streaks. For IU, it has been gone all year. It wasn't even that great Sunday, but it was enough. And it is a sign that things are poised to turn around.\nIt seems like a stretch to think the Hoosiers can claw their way into the postseason. But the Big Ten is more jumbled up than it has ever been. Just two games into the season, only two teams are undefeated: Wisconsin and Penn State. I can assure you that the Nittany Lions won't finish the season in that position.\nWe'll just have to see where IU lands when the conference picture becomes clearer.