Indiana makes it 2-for-2 vs. No. 8 Iowa, picks up vital NCAA tournament résumé-building win
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Hoosiers made it two wins in two tries against Iowa, taking down the No. 8 Hawkeyes 67-65 on Sunday. Here are three reasons why Indiana prevailed:
Freshman rescue job
Even without a foul-troubled Luke Garza, Iowa had Indiana on the ropes for most of the first half.
The usually defense-challenged Hawkeyes held Indiana to just 11-of-34 from the field in the first half, leading by as many as 13 at one point midway through the frame. Indiana struggled to get good touches around the rim, and the Hoosiers’ veteran guards were a no-show offensively.
Archie Miller turned to his freshmen, and they delivered. A rapidly improving Khristian Lander started pulling the strings like the best point guard on the floor. Anthony Leal hit important shots. Jordan Geronimo contributed energy, rebounds and dunks. From down double digits, Indiana led 33-31 at halftime, and had its first-year players to thank for it.
Race Thompson shows up again
Backstopping his 18 points and eight rebounds in the overtime loss midweek to Illinois, redshirt junior forward Race Thompson handed the Hoosiers another good performance Sunday.
Defensively, he managed Garza well enough, frustrating the nation’s leading scorer with physical-but-clean defense. Offensively, Thompson was active off the ball, got to the glass and even knocked down a 15-footer.
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He was Indiana’s leading scorer for much of the contest, and one of its most-reliable players. His continued emergence would make a significant difference for the Hoosiers in February and March.
He finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
Armaan Franklin steps up
On a bad day for Indiana's starting backcourt, the Hoosiers were saved by it.
First, Rob Phinisee drained a tough 3 late to tie the game. Then, after an important stop on Garza at the other end, Indiana bled the clock before putting Garza in a ball-screen situation. Franklin took his defender left, then stepped back for a smooth jumper, what turned out to be the game winner.
The Hoosiers (10-8, 5-6) badly needed this win, another Quad 1 win and a season sweep of the Hawkeyes.
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Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.