Hey folks,
We're back, the Hoosiers and Wolverines are closing out their post-halftime warm-ups, and we're about ready to get things started against here. I should note that both Eric Gordon and Eli Holman are in attendance, something not at all uncommon for women's home games. They are not wearing pink, however.
Coach Jack's decided to go with her starters for the second half. And we're under way.
53.4 IU 74 - Mich. 63 A jump ball gives it back to Michigan, but their shots are starting to fall short of the front iron. That could be in part due to all the time they've spent on offense today. IU's defensive pressure was outstanding. A late layup puts the final score at 74-65 in a game eerily reminiscent of Michigan's win over IU in Ann Arbor. We're headed to postgame, then we'll have some more thoughts for you. Again, a final: IU 74 - Mich. 65. 1:29 IU 74 - Mich. 63 A Michigan free throw cuts the lead to 11, and Coach Jack calls a timeout on the ensuing possession. There's barely enough time for a Michigan rally, but they can hit threes at an impressive clip. Stay tuned, and we'll keep you updated on the end of this game. Just got word from Shana Daniels with Media Relations that today's crowd topped 2,500, which would make it a season-high.
Not sure what the time is IU 68 - Mich. 58 We've had play stopped for a few minutes now to try and figure out if Whitney Thomas hit the rim on her last shot, thereby resetting the shot-clock. The officials determined that the shot did not hit the rim, and Michigan has the ball after a lengthy stoppage.
5:01 IU 66 - Mich. 56 A pair of Michigan 3-pointers just made things interesting, as did a missed free throw at the front end of a 1-and-1 by Amber Jackson. Coach Jack didn't like what she saw and called a timeout.
7:52 IU 59 - Mich. 45 The Hoosiers are starting to pull away now. Michigan has struggled from the free-throw line a bit in the second half, missing the front end of a couple of 1-and-1s. They also continue to struggle with 3-point shooting - their bread and butter. They're a meager 26.3 percent from range in the game, and have made just one 3-pointer in the second half. Jamie Braun just hit a two and got fouled, converting the three-point play. 60-45 IU.
11:28 IU 55 - Mich 44 It's the same story, different chapter as Georgia Follmer answers a Krista Phillips layup with a short jumper. IU is holding the Wolverines at bay whenever the visitors try to make a run.
14:58 IU 51 - Mich. 41 Jamie Braun hits a three to stretch IU's lead back to 10. Every time Michigan tries to make a run in this game, the Hoosiers do something to stop them.
17:04 IU 44 - Mich. 39 IU is still forcing Michigan into long possessions that use most of the shot clock, while scoring quickly on the other end. Whitney Thomas illustrates my point with a quick layup.
18:52 IU 42 - Mich. 33 Jamie Braun continues to drive well, answering a Wolverines' 3-pointer with a coast-to-coast layup of her own. Amber Jackson quickly replaces Georgia Follmer in the lineup.
