In news that was far less shocking than his buzzer-beater 3-pointer to knock off No. 1 Kentucky, IU junior forward Christian Watford was named Big Ten Player of the Week.
For those of you who have seen the shot a million times, let's make it 1,000,001.
"The shot heard 'round the Hall," as coined by fellow IDS men's basketball beat reporter Kevin Bowen, capped off a 20-point effort from Watford. Of those 20 points scored, 17 of them came in the second half.
Besides hitting a shot that will forever be shown on IU highlight tapes, Watford also drew praise for his defensive effort. The junior forward held Kentucky sophomore forward and preseason All-American Terrence Jones to four points and one rebound.
The UK leading scorer came into Saturday's contest as Kentucky's leading scorer at 15 points per game. Jones sat much of the second half and ended the game with more turnovers (6) than points (4) and rebounds (1) combined. Watford held Jones to career-lows in points, rebounds and field goal attempts.
Watford is now averaging 11.4 points per game for the 9-0 Hoosiers, who will square off with in-state foe Notre Dame on Saturday night at the Crossroads Classic at Conseco Fieldhouse.
