Indiana 81, Michigan 73.
There's no need for panic here. The tough Indiana squad, led by Zeller and Oladipo, was playing at home, with a chance to beat the number one team in the country. Take away two runs (one at the start of the game and one in the later part of the seconde half) and its a whole new ball game.
However, a couple of things about this game made me a bit nervous. In big games like this, our freshmen cannot disappear. Stauskas did finish with 10 points, but shot 1-5 from three. If he connects on two more of those, this would've been a whole new ball game. Also, GRIII needs to score more than two points. That's simply unacceptable.
Morgan appeared in the game, but only played two minutes. His defensive presence would've helped contained Zeller. Hopefully his injury doesn't keep him out for much longer, since we got Ohio State coming up on Tuesday.
But enough of the negatives. Burke's and Hardaway's play was outstanding. To see the leaders of this squad step up and score 25 and 18 points respectively shows signs of hope for the numerous big games left on the schedule.
McGary played well, especially considering he was matched up with Zeller for most of the game. He finished with seven boards and ten points.
When Indiana comes to Michigan, I think the game will be a little different. Morgan will most likely be healthy, thus preventing Zeller from having as dominating of a performance. I feel as though Stauskas and GRIII learned from this game, and will not be so nerved next time. If Burke, Hardaway, and McGary have similar games, then Michigan will not suffer the same fate as its reverse fixture.
