Indiana manages to outmuscle Pittsburgh 81-69

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- What was supposed to be an early-December test turned into an exercise in humility for Indiana Tuesday night, in an impressive 81-69 win over outclassed Pitt.

It was Indiana's (6-1) third win in the last four years in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Coach Tom Crean is 3-4 in the series, and 7-3 all-time against the Panthers (4-3).

Indiana led by eight at halftime, thanks to its five made 3-pointers. That shooting cooled after the intermission, but Indiana only got more dominant, at one point running its lead to 23.

Bench players spurred the win.

Sophomore forward Collin Hartman, who returned ahead of schedule from a torn ACL to be ready for the start of this season, finished with seven points and seven rebounds. The biggest cheers he pulled out of a near-sold out Assembly Hall came for the loose balls he dove after and the rebounds he fought tirelessly for against a team that was supposed to be too tough for the young Hoosiers.

But the brightest spotlight of the night belonged to freshman forward Emmitt Holt.

An August addition to the roster, Holt was suspended for the first four games of this season for his role in the Nov. 1 car accident that hospitalized teammate Devin Davis. Available for four games before Tuesday's, he had played 17 total minutes over two appearances.

Against the Panthers, he finished with a team-high 15 points, and passed his season total for minutes in one night, playing 19 Tuesday. He outfought more experienced players for rebounds, finished tough layups and shot 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. Holt grabbed five rebounds.

In a matchup of young teams, the less-experienced team won because of the least-experienced player on its roster.

Pitt closed the gap in the final minutes, as Indiana eased off the gas. The Hoosiers' lead was far too secure, though, in their most dominant and complete performance of the season. A late run from the visitors cut the lead to as little as 10, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Tuesday's result helps ease frustration over IU's home loss last week to Eastern Washington.

Like Indiana, Pitt is likely an NCAA Tournament bubble team at the moment. Taking a head-to-head matchup didn't hurt the Hoosiers. Indianapolis Star bracketologist Shelby Mast characterized IU's victory as "helpful" early in the season.

Zach Osterman writes for The Indianapolis Star.