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Thoughts on a 79-58 victory over the Brothers:
With all the climb time missed heading into this unprecedented season, it was unclear what Indiana would look like against their first high-profile opponent of the season.
But the Hoosiers left no doubt early this afternoon against Providence. They were the best, most aggressive, polished and best-trained team in just about every facet of the competition. It was a dominating and inspired performance from UI and the boards to a strong start in his three games in three days of riding through the Maui Invitational in Asheville.
Race Thompson put on an absolute show in this one, playing his best game by far as a Hoosier. Thompson posted the first double-double of his career and he was backed by career-high points (22) and rebounds (13). Those 22 points more than doubled his previous career record of 10. Archie Miller led the junior to a team high of 35 minutes and Thompson continued to deliver. Eight of his 13 rebounds were on the offensive glass, where he capitalized with second chance points. Thompson also threw a smooth midrange jumper to help him finish an efficient 8 of 12 on the court.
It’s early, but if there’s anything to be expected so far this year it’s that the Minnesota junior is ready for a breakout season if he can stay healthy. There is no doubt that he is taller, stronger, more skillful, and has better confidence and feel for the game. Thompson’s performance helped balance a calmer game from Trayce Jackson-Davis. . The sophomore still scored 12 points and seven rebounds, but it was only 5 of 15 and everything looked a little more difficult for him this afternoon.
The Indiana defense made it tough for the Brothers in the first half and they struggled to get things done in their half sets. The Hoosiers played a solid defense against the ball not to allow Providence to gain advantages or break the defense. As a result, the brothers collected just 24 points and 0.76 points per possession at halftime. Indiana let him slip just before half-time and wasn’t as good after the break, but he still kept Providence at 0.87 points per possession for the game, which more than got the job done.
Indiana’s 3-point shot didn’t start well. It also took a few quick and misguided ones in the first half. But thanks to Al Durham knocking down a couple in the second half, the Hoosiers finished the contest with a respectable 35.7% (5 of 14) deep. And after the line debacle against Tennessee Tech, they’ve improved a lot there today (18 of 24, 75%). While not the elite, if the Hoosiers could reach those percentages on average the rest of the time, it would go a long way in alleviating the shooting issues. Also, if you associate those kinds of numbers with everything Indiana does on offense – big passes, spacing and altruism; multiple weapons score in multiple ways – that bodes well for the season.
Trey Galloway had just four points on a 1 in 6 shot, descending to Earth shortly after his stellar debut. Still, he continues to show his ability to relentlessly attack the basket and deserves his minutes. Khristian Lander went scoreless in nine minutes of action. His first two hits came quickly and felt unnecessary. Jerome Hunter fouled in just eight minutes of action. Durham followed just behind Thompson with 19 points on 6 of 9 shots, including 3 of 5 from deep.
Indiana faces a tougher game tomorrow when they face No.17 Texas. But bring back that kind of performance once again and he should be there to fight for a spot in Wednesday’s championship game.
(Photo credit: Maui Invitational)
Filed in: 2020 Maui Invitational, Providence Friars
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