Whenever MSU and Indiana squared off last season, it was truly a battle of two heavyweights. In two games in front of delirious fans and nail-biting finishes, it was head coach Tom Crean’s Hoosiers that pulled out both victories in last year’s match-ups.
But this year’s Indiana team looks a lot different.
With last year’s stars Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller and Christian Watford off the roster, Indiana is left with a fresh-faced team that will be looking to take down the Big Ten’s most experienced team in Bloomington, Ind. (2 p.m., CBS).
Perhaps the biggest improvement within the conference this season has been Indiana (10-4 overall) sophomore guard Yogi Ferrell, who is averaging 17.7 points per game.
That’s a sliver over ten more points than he averaged last season, but the most eye-popping stat line is his improved long range shooting, as he is knocking down 44 percent of his 3-point attempts.
The good news for the No. 5 Spartans (12-1) is that Ferrell is the only deep-ball threat, being the only Hoosier to shoot over 40 percent.
Indiana only boasts two shooters over 30 percent from behind the arch, senior guard Evan Gordon (37.9 percent) and freshman forward Noah Vonleh (33.3 percent).
So, it’s all but said that Indiana will not be beating MSU with its sharp shooting. What they will have is the nation’s top rebounding team, controlling the glass this whole season with its plus-13.9 per game rebounding margin.
Leading the clean-up crew on the boards for IU is Vonleh, who dominates the post with his 7-foot-4 wingspan. His career in college hoops is young, but the five-star recruit has already made a name for himself by being a half rebound away from averaging a double-double on the season.
MSU senior forward Adreian Payne will be looking to flex his experience over the youngster down low, setting up for what will likely be the top individual match-up of the game.
Another crucial match-up will hardly be between individuals, but rather thousands of Hoosier fans, as MSU sophomore guard Gary Harris returns to his home state.
Instead of playing in front of smiling friends and family, the Fisher, Ind. native will be likely be showered in boos and jeers from the moment he even gets close to the entrance tunnel just like last season at Assembly Hall.
However, if he reacts to the adversity like last season, Spartans should prepare for Harris to light up the stage on his own, as he averaged 20 points in both games against the Hoosiers.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
