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Indiana Basketball: 5 keys to a successful 2018-19 Big Ten schedule

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 09: Indiana Hoosiers players take the floor against the Montana State Bobcats in the second half of the game at Assembly Hall on November 9, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. The Hoosiers won 80-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 09: Indiana Hoosiers players take the floor against the Montana State Bobcats in the second half of the game at Assembly Hall on November 9, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. The Hoosiers won 80-35. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 27: Langford #0 of the Indiana Hoosiers walks. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 27: Langford #0 of the Indiana Hoosiers walks. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

1. Continue to threaten from beyond the arc

Indiana is one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to finishing around the basket. As a team, the Hoosiers rank second in the entire nation in two-point field goal percentage at 60.4% and they also draw fouls at a fairly high clip (131st nationally). Quite simply, this is a team with some great finishers at the hoop who can fill up the basket in a hurry. With this said, though, IU’s offense cannot operate at its peak potential without consistently knocking down 3-point shots.

This might not be a team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer but perimeter jumpers open up the entire offense. When shooters are cashing out trifectas, everyone else can play to their strengths. Most notably, driving lanes are opened for Romeo Langford and opponents are not able to bring double-teams on Juwan Morgan in the paint. And if these players are able to work in one-on-one situations, they are nearly impossible to stop.

On the whole, the Hoosiers do not attempt a ton of 3-pointers (32.2% 3PAr, 318th) but they are extremely accurate when they do (37.0%, 63rd). This high-quality shooting from the supporting cast, especially Rob Phinisee and Evan Fitzner, has opened up the offense tremendously for the two stars. As long as this continues, IU will be incredibly difficult to match up with.