My thoughts on this game:
We came out and immediately took a dump on the floor against a team that had three players out due to the flu. We were lazy on defense and settled for jump shots on offense. I was really hoping the energy from the Nebraska game would be maintained, but we reverted to a lazy team that had 4 turnovers in the first 10 minutes. This cannot keep happening if we are going to have any chance at post season play. 40 minutes of hard-nosed play is required.
Ben must have lit into them in a mid first half timeout because the kids finally started attacking the basket on the offensive end and sought to rebound on that end as well. This was the turning point in the game.
Ihnen made shots, but even better, he attacked the basket.
Fox is given no respect on the offensive end. He had a play where he caught the ball at the free throw line and his defender stood under the basket without a care in the world. Fox had the entire lane open and he never attacked. Later on he attempted a few 3 point shots and showed the world why no one guards him. He has to accept the junkyard role of getting offensive rebounds and put backs or else he will be a negative for this team.
Ola-Joseph has improved his range and simply needs to attack on the offensive end.
Christie will get better and better as he adds muscle. We have to keep him from going to the portal. Step up Dinky Town Athletics.
Hawkins and Mitchell are finding their groove and figuring out their strengths.
Payne knows his role and is always a net positive.
Overall, this game shows us nothing about how well these kids will perform in the B1G. But, it does speak to the fact that these kids still can't put together 40 minutes of excellence. If I am coach, I am going Bobby Knight on their @$$ and demanding something better than what they gave me. Great teams don't make mistakes. This team is far away from competing at an NCAA tournament level.
Ben, get these kids in the gym and drill them until they get it right. This is a "Miracle" moment. "Again...Again...Again!"