IU vs. Northwestern State

     This is one of those "money games" that should be absolute guarantees in the win column.  Problem is, the Indiana Hoosiers are not a good enough team to be guaranteed a win against anyone and the opponents know it.  The Northwestern State Demons, and anyone else who plays IU this season, will feel like they can come into Assembly Hall and get a victory.  The only way to change that is to play with passion and focus and make sure the underdogs know early that there will be no upset.  The Northwestern State Demons are 2-1 with wins over East Texas Baptist and Houston Baptist and a 94-75 loss to Texas Tech.  NSU has an athletic center that loves to block shots and they will attempt to get up and down the court very quickly.  They are expected to contend for the Southland Conference title this season.  

Three Keys to the Game

3.  Quick Start

I don't think IU's confidence is going to be very high.  They lost all three games in Puerto Rico and they have had a week to think about it.  Northwestern State is a decent opponent and their athleticism could present some issues if IU lets them hang around.  It will very important for the Hoosiers to get off to a good start, feel good about themselves and get the crowd behind them.  That means hitting some early shots, finishing around the basket, forcing a few turnovers.  It will be difficult for the Demons to come from behind in Assembly Hall.

2.  Don't Beat Yourself

Indiana has struggled with missed layups, dumb turnovers and a lack of focus on the free throw line.  Big picture, they can't keep beating themselves.  If you watched the Butler-Minnesota game last night you saw a prime example of this.  Butler had a lot of turnovers and did not shoot the ball well.  However, their free throw shooting kept them in the game.  They lost because of the turnovers, rare for a Butler team.  If IU can't stop hurting themselves with self-inflicted wounds, they will struggle to beat anyone.  

1.  Veteran Leadership

IU's newcomers have played pretty well.  I have been really impressed with Jeremiah Rivers and Maurice Creek.  The rest of the newcomers have had their moments as well.  However, the majority of the returning players have been absolutely dreadful.  Tijan Jobe has shown improvement and Verdell Jones has been one of the team's only consistent offensive threats.  Everyone else has really had a hard time.  Tom Pritchard is still getting in foul trouble and missing bunnies.  Devan Dumes looks lost on the floor.  The Hoosiers were counting on instant offense off the bench from him but he hasn't given them anything.  Tom Crean is looking to shorten the rotation and these two guys need to prove they deserve to be a part of it.  

Prediction

Indiana wins 89-78.  I think both teams want to play at a quick pace and they should get their wish.  The Hoosiers will get off to a decent start and build a double-digit lead.  However, they won't be able to completely put away the Demons and NSU will hang around.  IU won't be threatened but they probably won't blow them out either.  The player of the game will be Maurice Creek but look for Derek Elston to have a nice game as well.  

I will recap the game on Sunday and look ahead to the Hoosiers battle against Maryland in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.  Until then, as Christmas season rolls in, remember why we celebrate.  "And unto them, a baby was born, and his name was Jesus."  God Bless.