INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — 20 wins? Check. Make it to Selection Sunday with no Quadrant 3 or 4 losses? Check. Record the first Big Ten Tournament win under Archie Miller? Check.
Feel awkward because this is the final college basketball game Indiana will play in front of fans, due to the rapidly evolving outbreak of coronavirus? Also check.
Powered by a 16-1 run to end the first half, Indiana recorded its 20th win of the season, defeating the last-place and No. 14 seed Nebraska Cornhuskers, 89-64, in front of about 14,000 understandably distracted patrons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Outside of the fans in attendance, Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg left the arena before the game concluded tonight, not feeling well.
On the court, Hoiberg’s team played spirited basketball, even without key guards Cam Mack (personal) and Dachon Burke (suspension). The two averaged over 24 PPG combined for the Huskers. Hoiberg mentioned to BTN before the game that freshman Charlie Easley was hampered by a leg injury as well. As result, Hoiberg reached out to football coach Scott Frost and added two players to his basketball team: QB Noah Vedral and OT Brant Banks. Both football players entered the game with 2:39 to go, when the game was well in hand for IU.
After a see-saw start that featured four ties and four lead changes, the Hoosiers went on a 16-1 run after falling behind 33-27. The group of Armaan Franklin, Devonte Green, Justin Smith, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and De’Ron Davis were on the court for the majority of the run. Franklin, an Indy native, received some extended playing time with Rob Phinisee in foul trouble. He cashed in on the opportunity, having his second double-digit game at BLF in two opportunities. Overall, ten Hoosiers played in the first half, and all ten scored at least two points. Green led the way with seven.