POSTGAME:
We didn't get an Adam Ahfeld 3-pointer, but Kyle Taber hit a layup with about 10 seconds to go. Close enough, eh?
IU closed out the game in rather strong fashion, winning 90-69. Bassett continued to impress in the second half, nearly tallying a double-double for the game. He had 10 points and nine assists.
Unlike Friday night, D.J. White's shot was falling all day today. He was 8-of-12 from the field and scored 18 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds.
By far, this was Hoosiers' best game of the season. They put it together on both ends of the floor and their transition game was pretty stellar.
It will be interesting to see what coach Sampson says about starting two freshman - Joey Shaw and Armon Bassett - over his two senior captains, Earl Calloway and Rod Wilmont. He'll be addressing the media soon. I'll throw up a quote or two about it after he's done speaking.
HALFTIME:
Well, I'm pretty sure the IU men's basketball team read the IDS basketblog before the start of the today's game, because they sure responded to my challenge.
IU dominated from the start and holds an impressive 47-24 lead at halftime. Bassett did, in fact, start in place of Earl Calloway and didn't disappoint. He has seven points, four assists and only one turnover in 17 minutes of play. He's made smart passes and completed a few coast-to-coast layups. Joey Shaw ended up starting in place of Rod Wilmont and has five points and one assist at half.
Xavier Keeling, who hasn't played in the first half of a game all season, hit two layups in transition in two minutes of play.
So, what's IU's challenge for the second half? Get Adam Ahfeld a three? Sounds good to me.
See you after the game.
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PREGAME:
It's a rainy Sunday afternoon in Bloomington, just a bit before IU-Chicago State tip-off time. Add the rainy weather to a good chunk of students already home for Thanksgiving break and today's attendance is probably going to be a little low.
I offer IU this challenge today. Get out to an early lead. So far this season, the Hoosiers have struggled to get out of the gate early. Let's see if they can do it today.
Rumor has it Armon Bassett and Joey Shaw are getting the starting nod today. Wonder what coach Sampson's rationale is behind that. I'm sure he'll be asked about that in his media address after the game. We'll let you know what he says.
See you at halftime.
