The Indiana Hoosier’s next opponent is Marty Simmons' Purple Aces from the University of Evansville. Simmons is in his fourth year as head coach of U of E with a combined record of 37 wins and 56 losses. In 2009, he led U of E to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, the team’s first post season appearance since 1999. The Purple Aces come in with a 2-0 record, recently beating the University of Texas-San Antonio 77-73. U of E was lead by sophomore Colt Ryan G/F (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and junior F/G Denver Holmes (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists). On the season, U of E’s leading scorer is junior F/G Kenneth Harris, averaging 15.5 per game. The Purple Aces have three other players averaging double digit points: Colt Ryan (10.5), freshman G/F Jordan Jahr (10.5) and Denver Holmes (10). One key to Evansville’s success is their ability to get to the line. They have attempted 52 free throws in two games, shooting 67.3%. Holmes and Harris have shot 27 of the 52 free throws. The Purple Aces do not present much out of an outside threat only converting 8 of 22 3-points attempts on the year.
The “Experts” Predictions:
Sagarin rates IU at 79.4, Evansville at 71.65, predicting IU by 12.
Ken Pomeroy rates IU at 72 and Evansville at 62.
Ken Pomeroy rates IU at 72 and Evansville at 62.
My Predictions:
I am fully expecting the Hoosiers to win this game by 25 + points. Like the past two games, I can see IU starting off a little slow and then putting the pedal to the metal. The Purple Aces will have to play their best basketball just to stay in the game. The Hoosiers have too much talent and athleticism for the Purple Aces to handle. Victor Oladipo, last game’s +/- leader, will have another great game. With his lock down defense and quickness, VO should be licking his chops over this match-up. I also fully expect VJ III and Mo Creek to have better performances in this game. In the end, it’s your Indiana Hoosiers 85, Evansvilles Purple Aces 52.
