Indiana defeated Xavier 4-1. But junior midfielder Nikita Kotlov recommended to look beyond the final score.
"The scoreboard didn't show how the game really went," he said. "They're a good team."
Xavier Coach Andy Fleming said it was a pretty even game for the first 68 minutes. But Indiana has the experience.
"I think it's important for people to realize this is their 25th straight NCAA Tournament," Fleming said. "That's a good team, and Todd's done a great job. Indiana's still Indiana. I want to make sure people know that and commend them and recognize them for a good job."
However, Fleming said his team went to three in the back and "that's the only reason it became 3- and 4-1. That's the only thing I'm disappointed (about) today: The country's going to look at the score, and see 4-1. I thought it was a pretty competitive game. We scared 'em a little bit. That's the only thing that kind of stinks going home today."
IU Coach Todd Yeagley praised Xavier in his opening statement.
"I'd like to congratulate Xavier for their outstanding season," Yeagley said. "They're very well coached. They're disciplined. They have some very good attacking players. To score 49 goals this year is quite impressive. We knew this would be a very difficult match."
Kotlov's Hat Trick
Kotlov notched his first career hat trick Sunday afternoon against Xavier, as the Hoosiers won 4-1 at Armstrong Stadium. It was also Indiana's first hat trick of the season.
Kotlov dedicated it to the seniors.
"It means more in the tournament because one loss, and we're out," he said. "I think it's important. I know our seniors really want this one -- it's their final time. It was for them. They've done their roles. We have a lot of seniors that aren't playing much, but they've really helped the team."
On three occasions -- versus Clemson, at Kentucky and versus Wisconsin, sophomore forward Eriq Zavaleta fell one goal shy of a hat trick. On this day, he was subjected to constant double teams.
"I think we did a good job with him," Fleming said. "But I kept saying Zavaleta is the most effective player, but Nikita's probably the most talented player and the best pro prospect, in my eyes. I kept saying, 'Make sure we don't forget about the other guy.' And the other guy does what he did."
Lax Carded
In the 40th minute, referee Chico Grajeda showed redshirt sophomore midfielder Dylan Lax a yellow card.
His teammates preached caution.
"We were talking to him on the field saying, 'Let's be smart. We don't want to get a second.,"' Yeagley said. "Dylan played his role very well. He's going to get into some tackling situations that there's no intent, he's just a hard player. Having Dylan on the field, if we need him to fall into other positions based on our depth, has been good.
"Dylan does his role well"
