After the Hoosiers put up 27 and 28 3-point shots in their last two contests, respectively, it was hard to imagine them being outshot from beyond the arc.
That's why they play the game.
The IU men's basketball team shot only nine 3-pointers in its 67-44 victory against Wright State, while the Raiders put up 14 attempts. Both teams made the same amount (4) of long range shots.
But it wasn't just because IU coach Tom Crean grew tired of seeing it. It was simply a matter of taking what the defense gave his team.
IU had faced heavy zone defense from its first three opponents this season, and by taking away the inside the defenses opened up opportunities form the outside. The Hoosiers didn't take advantage of that against Ferris State, shooting 25 percent from deep, and did against Florida Gulf Coast, hitting on 50 percent of their shots.
Sunday's game against Wright State showcased man-to-man defense, giving IU more chances to work the ball inside. The result was 36 points in paint and a sky-high 60 percent shooting effort. Christian Watford used the one-on-one battles to his advantage, scoring 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
There is still some obvious need for improvement offensively, especially in the post. IU's three big men - Derek Elston, Bobby Capobianco and Tom Pritchard - combined for just one point. But the Hoosiers are letting the game come to them and attacking, something that will, more times than not, equate into victories.
