[Postgame 3-2-1] What We Learned From Indiana's Loss to Northwestern
Here are three key stats, two observations, and one lingering question from Indiana's 76-72 loss to Northwestern.
After a seven-day break, there was a glimmer of hope that a well-rested Indiana would find a way to break through with their first victory over Northwestern in the Mike Woodson era.
The exact opposite happened yesterday as Northwestern stormed into Assembly Hall and dominated Indiana for most of the afternoon.
The closest Indiana got in the second half was cutting the Wildcat lead down to one, but the cream and crimson were unable to get a stop at the game’s most crucial moments.
Malik Reneau was once again a non-factor for Indiana, scoring 9 points before fouling out with over six minutes left.
“Well, I wasn't happy with him after the game,” Indiana head coach Mike Woodson said postgame. “The guy has played well this season for our ball club, and being our second leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, we need him on the floor, especially coming down the stretch.”
Northwestern was led by brilliant performances from sophomore Nick Martinelli and Princeton transfer Ryan Langborg, combining for 33 of NU’s points.
Kel’el Ware led the way for Indiana with another double-double with 22 points, adding 16 rebounds.
Following Sunday’s defeat, Indiana drops to 14-11 and 6-9 in the Big Ten.
Now here are three stats, two observations, and one lingering question from yet another Indiana loss to Northwestern.
Did you miss yesterday's edition of the postgame show?
3 Meaningful Stats
1. Indiana had two second-chance points.
We know that Indiana wants to win games by using their size advantage against smaller teams.
Yesterday afternoon’s matchup with Northwestern seemed like it would be one in which the Hoosiers could use their size and dominate the frontcourt.
Well …
Not only did Indiana not capitalize on their size advantage down low, they were beaten down by the Wildcats.
Northwestern collected 14 offensive rebounds en route to nine second-chance points. On the other hand, Indiana had just a pair of second-chance points on their six offensive rebounds.
“I thought the 50/50 balls they beat us to tonight and we played smaller,” Woodson said. “We have to utilize our strengths when we're on the floor being big, but didn't help us tonight.”
Northwestern’s smash mouth performance is the first time Indiana was dominated in the paint since the Ohio State game at Assembly Hall.
2. Hoosiers had 19 assists on 27 made field goals.
Despite the outcome, Indiana showed flashes of competent offense in both halves.
Indiana’s offense — like most college offenses — seems to click best when the ball isn’t sticking in someone’s hands.
On top of that, when the Hoosiers run the floor, the buckets come much easier. That was again evident yesterday as IU outscored Northwestern 14-0 in fast break points.
“We got a little bit passive in the first half compared to the second half,” Gabe Cupps said postgame. “We were much more aggressive and not on our heels as much. When you're on your heels you make poor decisions that lead to turnovers.”
Indiana wasn’t able to push the ball too much yesterday because Northwestern took care of the basketball, only turning the ball over three times.
Trey Galloway led the Hoosiers with a dozen of the nineteen helpers.
3. Nick Martinelli logged his first career double-double.
All five Northwestern starters made a significant difference in yesterday’s game, but none bigger than Nick Martinelli.
The sophomore from Glenview, Ill. scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in his 38 minutes, hitting shot after shot in the second half, including a three in front of the Northwestern bench to push the lead out even further.
“Nick’s a baller” Northwestern Head Coach Chris Collins said of the southpaw sophomore postgame. “He’s not afraid of the moment.”
In addition to filling the stat sheet, Martinelli was consistently the first player diving to the hardwood for a loose ball.
“He’s just unique,” Collins added. “He’s got that herky jerky game.”
Martinelli and fellow big man Matthew Nicholson combined for 29 of Northwestern’s 38 rebounds yesterday.
A lot of things are wrong with Indiana’s roster, and a guy with the grit of Nick Martinelli would be very nice to have on this team.
Now let’s talk about Indiana’s uniforms, the job Chris Collins has done in Evanston, and the troubling turnaround in the IU-Northwestern series.
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