Indiana Hoosiers: Big Opportunity For Tom Crean Vs. SMU
By Jacob Rude
Game: Indiana Hoosiers vs. #22 SMU Mustangs
Venue: Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN
When: 8:00 PM
Where To Watch: Big Ten Network
The Hoosiers and Mustangs square off in a rare non-conference, high profile match-up in Bloomington. Only twice since the start of the 2011-12 season have the Hoosiers hosted a ranked opponent, and one came during the Big Ten-ACC challenge. However, both games ended with the Hoosiers walking off victorious.
Tonight, Tom Crean has a big opportunity to silence some of his critics. With his program seemingly in disarray this off-season, the seat quickly warmed up for Crean. However, considering the Hoosiers are 12-2 against ranked opponents at home since 2011-12, Big Ten included, he has reason for optimism tonight.
Even more, the returns of Troy Williams, Stanford Robinson, and Emmitt Holt give Crean some more weapons to integrate into an offense that is off to a blistering start this year. Through two games, they’re shooting 61.7% from the field to start the year and 55.3% from three-point range.
With SMU coming off an embarrassing loss at Gonzaga, Larry Brown is sure to have his Mustangs ready to fight. Despite the surprise loss of Emmanuel Mudiay during the pre-season, the Mustangs were still ranked in the preseason poll, signalling the talent still on the roster.
They possess the thing that could hurt the Hoosiers most in size in 6’10” Cannen Cunningham and 6’11” Yanick Moreira, both who average double figures in points. However, the duo managed just 11 points and 10 rebounds against Gonzaga.
Tonight will be the true test for the Hoosiers of size vs. speed. Can the Hoosiers’ quickness in their guards make up for their lack of size? Similarly, how will Crean bring in Robinson, Williams, and Holt, all who will add size to a depleted Hoosier front line?
Prediction: Assembly Hall will be rocking. Despite SMU coming off a loss, this is a brutal environment to play in. Expect big games from James Blackmon and “Yogi” Kevin Ferrell. Hoosiers pull off the upset, 84-77.