Game Thread: Northwestern vs. Indiana

[mshelton33]

Northwestern (17-8, 8-6 Big Ten) is on the road at Assembly Hall to play Indiana (14-10, 6-7 Big Ten).

The Wildcats haven't won on the road in the Big Ten since Penn State on Jan. 10, and are a win is much needed after at tight loss at Rutgers. Indiana has lost five of their last seven, including their last game at home, 85-71 to Penn State. But, the Hoosiers have had their "bye week" and have not played a game since a Feb. 10 loss at Purdue.

 

[Deeringfish]

I doubt the Hoosiers will be rusty more likely rested and hunger. It's going to be tough.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

It would've been nice if Boo hadn't been called for a foul 5 seconds into the game.

 

[GatoLouco]

This a team much taller than us at 3-4. Reneau is Young but very talented. In theory we would double. Backcourt is underwhelming.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

Barnhizer needs to take that.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

Langborg playing with a purpose so far. Do you think he's motivated after last game?

 

[Deeringfish]

Langborg playing with a purpose so far. Do you think he's motivated after last game?

Well, if he goes off, it will show what could have been against Rutgers.

 

[GatoLouco]

Every broadcast and what it feels like every Hoosier fan laments the absence of Xavier Johnson. And every time he comes back he's atrocious and they play worse.

 

[ballerog711]

Smith and Mullins over Clayton today

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Getting decent looks. Just need some to start to fall.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

Nicholson DID go over the back, but that technical after the play was all Sparks.

 

[GatoLouco]

Dude, Boo did push on that play. But you can’t call it if you do not call Leal’s push 2 dribbles before. BS.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

Lots of doinks from both teams today.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

It makes both ends so much easier when Matt is hitting the boards like this.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

I'm not sure about that foul on Barnhizer. The refs looked like they were anticipating an over-the-back, but the ball bounced out so far that there was none.

 

[ballerog711]

Bad foul by Brooks, Indiana player had good position for reboumd.

If they get to the half cClos, Boo and Brooks will be rested.

 

[SmellyCat]

Martinelli with six boards so far.

 

[GatoLouco]

This is a weird *** lineup. Preston, Smith and Mullins at the same time?

 

[IMC Cat]

The kid we found playing at Patten Gym is holding his own

 

[SmellyCat]

This is a weird *** lineup. Preston, Smith and Mullins at the same time?

And they’re somehow not losing ground.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

LaPhonso Ellis is all about the second guess. I don’t mind an announcer occasionally pointing out what a team should have done, but he does it on every possession.

 

[SmellyCat]

I think Ellis called our guy “Kornhizer” once too.

 

[DaCat]

This is a weird *** lineup. Preston, Smith and Mullins at the same time?

Need their contributions, they’re holding their own.

 

[ballerog711]

Ball is moving so much with this crew.

 

[SmellyCat]

That pass from Langborg to Nicholson…

 

[GatoLouco]

Need their contributions, they’re holding their own.

Preston was quickly subbed. But you’re right, gotta be happy that with Smith and Mullins we played so competently.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Really impressed with the secondary guys holding their own. Ready for Boo and Brooks to take over in the second half.

 

[IMC Cat]

With how well Langborg is playing today, I'm even more angry about his ejection Thursday night. Absolutely cost us the game.

 

[SmellyCat]

Preston was quickly subbed. But
You’re right, gotta be happy that with Smith and Mullins we played so competently.

Smith dove for one to get a tie-up. That’ll always endear a guy to teammates and fans.

 

[GatoLouco]

Would rather not have our two top scorers with two fouls. Yet, solid half by the cats.

Will probably need to be a bit better on offense as it's likely Indiana will get hot for a run or two in the second.

 

[bringbacktherantboard]

The 2 fouls on Boo might be a blessing in disguise, because it forced us to rest him, and the rest of the team stepped up. So Boo should be well-rested the rest of the game, and Langborg is good to go for 40 if need be because of his "rest" in the previous game.

 

[ballerog711]

Probably a question for another thread and day, but why does Collins have to be forced into playing/developing players. This could be a top 20 team

 

[Deeringfish]

LaPhonso Ellis is all about the second guess. I don’t mind an announcer occasionally pointing out what a team should have done, but he does it on every possession.

It is a terrible train in a broadcaster. Because it makes the audience feel like they are watching two inferior teams instead of two good teams. I remember Walton ( I forget his first name, he was a center for The Trailsblazers? years ago.) some how got the gig during the NBA play offs. Anyway, you're in the final four and you would think that both teams didn't belong to be there. He really took the air out of the ballon. I remember listen to him and realizing that Michael Jordon really stank as a BB player. /s

 

[Deeringfish]

Probably a question for another thread and day, but why does Collins have to be forced into playing/developing players. This could be a top 20 team

I think he feels that in order to get into the Big Dance he has to win every game even the ones that should be gimies. Playing in the B1g does bring a ton of pressure.

 

[Deeringfish]

Martinelli with six boards so far.

He has been pretty consistent with that. Is beause he is tall for his position?

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Probably a question for another thread and day, but why does Collins have to be forced into playing/developing players. This could be a top 20 team

If you’re talking Mullins he wasn’t practicing well and had mental errors in the scrimmage. Clayton played defense well enough and wasn’t turning the ball over so he leaped him in minutes. Then when Berry went down someone had to step up. Smith playing above Mullins was a clear message and coaching move. Payed off imo. It was never about being forced to play Mullins but making him step it up.

I’ve been a big fan of Mullins upside since I’ve watched his Denver tape but give me more Berry minutes any day.

 

[DaCat]

Up 8 at half while not playing our best

 

[GatoLouco]

Gotta get that 4th on Reneau. He’s better than anyone else IU has

 

[GatoLouco]

The and 1 on Reneau looked like BS. The 3rd on Barnhizer was definitely BS. Yeesh

 

[TheC]

Why is this team allergic to leads?