The Hoosiers started off their exhibition season with a bang, trouncing Division III Franklin College by 52 points. Here are some notes you might have missed from the victory:
-Sophomore forward Christian Watford not only started the game 6-of-6 from the field, but he put his versatility on display. He began the night using his overpowering frame to get two layups, then stepped back for a jumper and two 3-pointers. He didn't miss until the 1:16 mark of the first half, finishing the opening stanza with 17 points.
-Watford also proved he's more than a post player defensively, manning the top of the Hoosiers 2-3 zone with freshman guard Victor Oladipo. IU coach Tom Crean said that is something they plan to use throughout the season, because Watford's length makes it tough for guards to see down low.
-Don't expect this to carry on into the regular season, but IU dominated with its bench. The Hoosier reserves outscored Franklin's 34-12, led by junior guard Daniel Moore's 12 points.
-IU held Franklin to just 22.2 percent shooting and 13 points in the second half. Franklin finished just 2-of-16 from the 3-point line.
-Wednesday's game was the seventh straight exhibition opener against a D-II or D-III game for IU. The Hoosiers are now 12-0 in those games, and last night's 52-point victory was the best margin of victory in an exhibition game under Crean.
-Oladipo had a quiet but very efficient game. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in 13 minutes.
-Junior guard Verdell Jones missed the game nursing an ankle injury. It's tough to saw if he or sophomore Jordan Hulls are the main man at the point, as Crean has said he refuses to give anybody a set position right now.
