Another great contribution from featured Blogger Brian Hall (@Hoosier_Hall)!
I watched the Indiana/Kentucky game at a bar with a friend that is a Kentucky fan. You might be wondering why in the world I would put myself through that with a redneck from the south, but she is one of the few that is educated and can actually have a conversation about basketball and see more than Kentucky blue doing no wrong. I was a little nervous because Calipari has somehow restocked his team with NBA first round (I am not saying that he paid them, but it is Coach Calipari).
I was pleasantly surprised how Indiana played throughout the entire first half. Every time I thought Kentucky might take control of the game, Indiana hung in and played them tough. Indiana is going to be undersized in most of the games they play this year, but they did not let Kentucky use this to their advantage in the first half. The Hoosiers were playing well in all positions. We missed several layups, but our turnovers were down and we got off to a quick start! Going into halftime, I could not have been prouder of my favorite basketball team.
The second half started rolling and Indiana played more of the same, keeping it close. The referees’ whistles were a little too quick and did not let either team play. I have a problem when Jordan Hulls’ hands are straight up in the air and he gets charged a foul when the Kentucky player is forcing his way to the basket. While watching the game, I did not realize the difference in the amount of free throws that were attempted, but when the Wildcats shoot 44 and the Hoosiers only shooting 16! That is unacceptable!
The Hoosiers got cold at the wrong time and Kentucky warmed up. The last seven minutes was ugly, but overall, I was pleased how Indiana played against Kentucky. It gave me greater hope that we will be able to play competitively against teams in the Big Ten. I am looking forward to watching this team mature throughout the season and making a run at a post-season tournament.
Up next: SIU-Edwardsville
