Bloomington, IN---The mighty Hoosiers prevail in win over Spartans.----By Jacob Vinson
In a game that could have meant turmoil to Indiana’s season, the Hoosiers, and Assembly Hall faithful started out strong and stayed there the whole game. After losing OG Anunoby for the rest of the season in the Hoosiers’ last game out, Blackmon led the way with 33 points to take down the visiting Spartans in a crucial win 82-75. Not only were the Hoosiers without Anunoby, but also Juwan Morgan who has been the best rebounder as of late.
Tonight, against the Spartans, the Hoosiers started off hot getting out to a 20-10 lead with 12:51 to go in the first half. Big Red increased their lead at the half to 14 with a big half from James Blackmon Jr. Indiana sprinted out to a 51-33 lead with 17:39 remaining in the game before Miles Bridges threw down a two-hand slam and started the march of the Spartans comeback. Within six minutes of game action the Spartans cut into the Hoosiers lead making it 59-49 with 11:53 to play. The Hoosiers tried to run away from Michigan State, but couldn’t quite keep the Spartans from nipping at their heels. With 4:32 to go in the contest, Devonte Green drove to the basket oozing confidence and banked in a floater to put the Hoosiers up by 6. With that bucket by Green, the Hoosiers would then fend off Michigan State until the end to reign victorious in a much-needed victory.
Tom Izzo was quoted saying after the game, “I was nice to him when I recruited him. Not sure why he did that to me,” on Blackmon putting up 33 against his squad. Izzo talked about how his guards let Indiana’s guards get past them too easily. When Crean took the mic, he talked about how his squad is getting better and that he was ready to use Grant Gelon if need be.
Next up Indiana will travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines of Michigan on Thursday January 26th at 9pm.
