The life of an IU basketball columnist, like the life of Jamar Smith’s liver, isn’t as cushy one may think. Sure there are a few perks, but when the most anticipated game of the season rolls around, who gets left in Bloomington? Yeah, the guy that claims to major in that language that’s kind of like Spanish.\nBut I’m ok with it. Besides, I’ve got The Leaner, the pride of 2nd Street and home to some of the most passionate Hoosier fans and vermin in Bloomington, to be my Plan B on game day. Plus, it leans.
9:09 - Initial observation: Too much orange on that TV screen.\n9:13 - ESPN just showed a replay of Chester Frazier’s pregame greeting to Eric Gordon. Frazier did everything but steal Gordon’s wallet. \n9:30 - Gordon is forcing bad shots, and IU’s zone has more holes in it than a doily.\n9:55 - Halftime. Sampson says Gordon needs to let the game come to him - he only has one point at halftime. He also says the Hoosiers are sticking with the zone in the 2nd half. Let’s hope Illinois remembers that it’s not a good shooting team.\n10:36 - IU is shooting the same percentage as Illinois and matching them rebound for rebound, but the turnovers are mounting - as are the empty beer bottles in the house.\n10:52 - Frazier grimaces on the floor, holding his ankle after a wild series of Hoosier misses and long rebounds. That’s karma.\n11:06 - Bedlam! Gordon takes a page out of Justin Johnson’s book and banks in a 25-footer to tie the game. Take that Orange Krush!\n11:09 - Jamarcus Ellis called for a foul on Shaun Pruitt with four seconds left. One and one. Pruitt is a bricklayer at the line.\n11:10 - Miss! IU has three seconds to win the game! Things are tense in here. Even the mice have stopped squeaking.\n11:12 - OT, baby. \n11:20 - Jordan Crawford goes crazy! Two huge 3s!\n11:21 - Why won’t you die, Illini?\n11:28 - Another foul and chance to win the game for Pruitt. He’s 0-for-3 today.\n11:29 - Pruitt misses the first! Timeout. Bruce Weber motions to Pruitt how to shoot a free throw. Well, if he hasn’t learned by now…\n11:30 - Pruitt can’t hit a free throw to save his life. Double OT. Line of the night just uttered: “My heart hurts.”\n11:34 - Young men are moaning as if they are giving birth. Gotta love sports.\n11:38 - If IU wins this game, they should send a fruit basket to Mr. Pruitt. \n11:40 - Bassett has been huge this overtime. He hits two free throws to put IU up five.\n11:47 - Hoosiers win! What a game! Too many Hoosiers came up big tonight to name. Could this be the game that takes IU to the next level? Time will tell. Right now, taste the victory.
