The Indiana Hoosiers had one more tune up game before their non-conference slate came to an end, and they took care of business versus the Kennesaw State Owls even though it may not have looked like it early.
This time of year can always be a drag for teams with it being winter break along with the holidays in full swing, but the Hoosiers just looked a bit disinterested Tuesday night at Assembly Hall.
Indiana's Slow Start
With Kennesaw State coming in as one of the worst teams according to KenPom rankings, there didn't seem to be much doubt that the Hoosiers would have their way, but the Owls stayed in the game for a long time and made it interesting in parts.
Indiana got their lead up to 16 at the most in the first half, but a 10-2 run in the last 4:26 of the first half had the Owls down just eight at halftime. Part of this was because of the play of Owls stars Kendrick Ray and Yonel Brown who ended up finishing the game with 48 combined points.
The Hoosiers on the other hand, really struggled on the defensive side of the floor for most of the first half and the beginning part of the second half as the Owls had it at just an eight point game. But then, a 17-4 Indiana run that lasted from the 13:32 mark of the second half until the 7:51 mark put the Hoosiers up 21 and they didn't look back after that.
Unstoppable Offense
The Hoosiers are known for their offense, and when it came down to it, that's what ultimately got them over the hump tonight. Indiana struggled on defense for much of the night, but not many teams in the country will be able to keep up with this team offensively and that will aid the Hoosiers very much this season.
Indiana shot the ball 65 percent from the field along with making 11 three pointers on the night. In addition, the Hoosiers had 18 assists on 33 field goals and that had much to do with excellent ball rotations and passing from the Indiana offense.
On offense for the Hoosiers, Thomas Bryant and Troy Williams scored a team high 20 points while James Blackmon Jr. poured in 19 while senior Yogi Ferrell added 16 for Indiana.
Another key contributor was O.G. Anunoby who translated his good play from Indiana's game against Notre Dame on Saturday to Tuesday against Kennesaw State. His production may not show up in the box score as he had just five points, but his activity on defense and around the rim is something that this Hoosiers team will benefit immensely from.
What's Next?
With Tuesday's win, the Hoosiers finish their non-conference schedule with a 10-3 record and an undefeated record at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers will now gear up for their Big Ten opener, which will come next Wednesday at Rutgers, and is followed by another road game on January 2 at Nebraska before they return home for their first home game against Wisconsin on January 5.