Who: Michigan State Spartans
Where: Breslin Center
When: 12/28/11, 7:30pm
TV: Big Ten Network
Conference play has finally arrived. While IU has proven itself a basketball contender over the course of its nonconference schedule, the true test for the Hoosiers will be how well they fare in the division. The Big 10 is verycompetitive this year, and with the hardest tests in the first couple of games for the Hoosiers (tonight’s game at MSU and a Dec. 31st road game at Ohio State), IU will need to pull off a couple of early wins in order to solidify its elite status in college basketball.
There’s a lot for the Hoosiers to be confident about coming into this game. There is no argument that IU is hot offensively. IU ranks fifth in the nation in FG%, is leading the nation at shooting 46% from behind the arc, and have many offensive options which makes them a threat.
However, the key to success for IU this game is rebounding. The Spartans boast a +10 rebounding margin against opponents compared to Indiana’s +4.5. DraymondGreen and his teammates are in the top 10 teams in the nation when it comes to grabbing from the boards. IU will need to improve this area of their game in order to get a win against the Spartans. Here are a couple of things to watch for as IU opens Big 10 play for the season:
Draymond Green
Green is one of the top players in the Big Ten right now. Green has scored __ consecutive double doubles this season, and scored 34 points against then-ranked #22Gonzaga. Zeller and the Hoosiers will need to step up defensively to minimize Green’s impact.
The Breslin Center
IU has not won a game at the Breslin Center since 1991 (17 consecutive games). This arena is one of the toughest environments to play in for the Big Ten. Coach Crean has mentioned it is important for the Hoosiers to silence the crowd and not allow MSU to score any large plays to allow the crowd to get into the game.
The key to success for the Hoosiers will be to reduce Green’s impact for the Spartans and to zone out the hostile crowd at Breslin arena.
By Mariel Yohe
