Hoo's Next? Notre Dame Edition

Who: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Where: Close the Gap Crossroads Classic, Conseco Fieldhouse
When: 12/17/11, 4:30pm
TV: ESPN2

IU plays Notre Dame tomorrow at 4:30pm at Conseco Fieldhouse for the Close the Gap Crossroads Classic. Here are a couple of things to watch for as the Hoosiers try to extend its winning streak to 10-0:

The million-dollar question: Can Indiana build off of its win over Kentucky?

The biggest question on everyone’s mind is how the Hoosiers will transition back after the monumental win against Kentucky last Saturday (and after a long finals week). There’s a new set of expectations for the Hoosiers now that they’ve shown they can keep up with the best.

This squad is drastically different than in year’s past. Besides the obvious addition of Zeller, the mostly-veteran squad now plays a smarter game, gained mass through offseason lifting, and vastly improved their shooting, which is now more consistent. Indiana, which is now ranked #18 in the AP poll and #20 in the coaches poll, still has a lot to prove. The Hoosiers will need to sustain the level of play from Dec. 10^th for the rest of the season to not only be successful against the stronger B1G opponents, but also gain back the respect it lost over the past few years. It will be interesting to watch now that things are swinging Indiana’s way, how they will adjust this new level.

Jack Cooley

Although Cooley had fallen ill earlier in the season, the past two games the Fighting Irish forward Jack Cooley has bounced back strong, posting only one rebound shy of back-to-back double doubles in his last two appearances. With the recent season-ending injury of ND’s star Tim Abromaitis, Cooley has stepped up for the Irish in the paint and provides a role it has lacked in Abromaitis’ absence.

Notre Dame’s perimeter game

Notre Dame’s 3-point game is not always consistent, but when hot, ND has a strong three-point shot, averaging around seven 3’s per game. Indiana will need a strong, outside defensive presence in order to shut down ND’s perimeter shot.

Will Derek Elston return Saturday?

Elston sat out last week’s game due to a back injury he acquired the week leading up to the Kentucky game. Coach Crean reported during his pre-game press conference Thursday that Elston has been feeling better and participated in practice this week. Hopefully Elston will be back on the floor tomorrow. Elston has a strong inside presence that will be needed to help Zeller shut down their inside game.

Outcome: If IU can come back down from the Kentucky win and focus on its defensive play against Notre Dame, IU should come away with the win.

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Hoo's Next: Stetson Edition

Hoo's Next

Who: Stetson Hatters

When: 4:30pm ET – Sunday December 4, 2011

Where: Assembly Hall – Bloomington, IN

TV: BTN.com, FirstRowSports

How to watch the game:

There are different avenues to watch the Hoosiers. The first option (and most legal option), is to purchase a subscription from BTN.com to view the game. Another option, is to wait until the game is shown on the BTN Channel on TV. The final option, is utilizing a site like FirstRowSports.tv which broadcasts games. They appear to be broadcasting the Stetson vs IU game today so you can give that a shot!

The Scoop: Out of the Atlantic Sun conference, the Stetson Hatters will be in Bloomington this Sunday to face off with our Cream and Crimson. Stetson (4-3) comes off a recent win over East Tennessee State but has their work cut out for them in this one. The Hoosiers, now 7-0, are sitting at ninth in the nation in field goal percentage (.524). Overall, it is important for Indiana to not overlook the Hatters despite the hype surrounding next week's highly anticipated match-up with number one ranked Kentucky.

What to Expect:

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Deflections – Although his description of them is quite confusing, Coach Crean's getting a lot of them. Expect the ball to be batted and swatted around often when Indiana is on defense as their intensity and defensive presence has been unquestionable as of late.

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Scoring – The Hoosiers are averaging 85 points a game this season and have continued to shoot lights out. The Hatters could struggle to contain the many scoring threats of Indiana.

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Rebounding – The Hoosiers have struggled on the boards and will need to improve in the area to have a decent shot at Kentucky next week. Look for Coach Crean to stress rebounding with his players and emphasizing boxing out.

Outcome: The Stetson Hatters have endured much adversity already this season; however, two of their three losses have come against ranked opponents in Florida and Florida State. The Hoosiers, though, should outmatch the opponents in this one and hopefully move to an impressive 8-0 start. Hoosiers over Hatters, 81-57.

Get some new Threads for The Holidays! BtownBanners.com has partnered with Slumpbusting.com to offer Hoosier fans great shirts! Ranging from the original "The Movement" shirt worn by IU's top recruits, to the classic "Kentucky Sucks" and "Purdouche" shirts! Check them out!

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