Indiana has advanced to the Big Ten Championship game for the second time in program history (2002) by defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 70-62 in front of a vocal crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Downtown Indianapolis.
The Hoosiers will match-up against Iowa at 4pm on Sunday for the third time this season. The first two meetings were decided by 5 and 6 points respectively, with the Hawkeyes bettering IU in both games. But the third game is different, as Indiana is playing with much more gusto, and much more purpose.
Take nothing away from Iowa, who has earned their #12 national ranking, behind the amazing play of All-American Sophomore Guard Caitlin Clark and All-Conference Senior Forward Monika Czinano, but the advantage could easily be in favor of the Hoosiers.
Indiana has developed a true equilibrium in their past 3 victories in this tournament, offering solid perimeter defense, the best rebounding ratios of their season, and balanced point production from all 6 key players. They seem incredibly comfortable putting the ball in any one of their hands in a clutch situation.
In their win over #1 seeded Ohio State in the semi-final game, IU had five players score double figures. Graduate Guard Nicole Cardano-Hillary was the top point grosser in this game, finishing 16 points and 11 rebounds. It was her first double-double of the year and the sixth of her collegiate career.
But it just as easily could have been Graduate Guard Ali Patberg who lit up the board from beyond the arc in their game against Maryland. Or, it could have been Senior Guard Grace Berger, who exploded for 17 points in their tournament opener against Rutgers. Aleksa Gulbe was limited in action against OSU, but is averaging 13 points per game.
Even Chloe Moore-McNeil, who matched a career high of 11 points, all of which came in the first half of the win. She has reached double-figure scoring in four of the past 6 games, often coming off of the bench. Moore-McNeil has matured wonderfully on the court over the past couple of months.
And the x-factor for the Hoosiers has to be the fact that All-American Junior Forward Mackenzie Holmes is starting to resemble the Mac that Hoosier Nation was accustomed to before her knee injury which began in early January. Holmes scored 12 against the Buckeyes, with 3 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, but her presence down low on both sides of the court is once again assisting her team drive into the paint on offense.
Also, having a stronger Holmes in the paint has freed up the Hoosiers to protect the perimeter. Indiana has held their tournament opponents to 6-43 from 3-point territory. Containing teams to 14% beyond the arc has been extremely helpful, allowing Indiana to better control the pace of the game. Against Ohio State, Indiana did just that.
The Buckeyes applied full court pressure throughout much of the game, which was largely handled well by IU’s skilled Guards. Nonetheless, the Hoosiers were able execute their trademark transition offence on turnovers and rebounds, pushing the ball downcourt, forcing OSU to submit to IU controlling the style of play.
So, how can Indiana possibly be considered a favorite to win the Big Ten title against a team that has been on fire of late, and beat them twice in past 2 weeks?
It has been demonstrated that Indiana can win in a number of ways. Any player on a given day could step up to facilitate point production, IU’s defense has too many strengths to mention, and Indiana is playing with pure heart and determination.
“They’re tough, right? Posed IU Head Coach Teri Moren. “They’re tough, they’re resilient, they’re together, they’re connected, their chemistry is off the charts, they hang their hat on the defensive end, they’re disciplined, I could go on and on but I think that’s a good start. They’re just a really, really great group.”
A great group who has the opportunity to complete a pre-season goal . . . win the Big Ten Tournament.
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