By Justin Albers
INDIANAPOLIS- If there was one thing Indiana needed, it was a win. They could not afford to start 0-2 in the Big Ten. But Indiana also needed a big performance from D.J. White after just 3-14 shooting against Ohio State. The Hoosiers had both things happen on Sunday afternoon in a 73-51 trouncing of Michigan State in Assembly Hall.
The Hoosiers came out strong, taking a 12-4 lead in the first 4:30 of the first half. The crowd was energized and the Spartans felt it. Despite shooting 49% for the game, Michigan State turned the ball over 20 times and shot just 1-8 from the three point line. After the Spartans narrowed the lead to 20-19, Indiana went on an 18-8 run to end the half. D.J. White went into the locker room with a game high 15 points.
After Indiana scored the first 4 points of the second half, Michigan State recorded the next 10 to narrow the lead to 5 at 42-37. The Hoosiers would answer with a 17-4 run of their own to put the game out of reach. Lance Stemler was able to regain some of confidence from the outside, and D.J. White continued to control the interior. White scored a game high 21 points, while Stemler had 16 and 7 rebounds.
NOTEBOOK
Indiana doesn't need 3's
It is always said that Indiana lives and dies by the 3-point shot. Not on Sunday. The Hoosiers shot just 3-17 from beyond the ark and still won the game by a 22 point margin. Kelvin Sampson has instilled his defensive mentality into his players and it is really starting to show. Many of the 20 Michigan State turnovers were forced by the Indiana defense. Of Note: the only Hoosier who had a decent 3-point percentage in the game was Errek Suhr, who was 1-1 off the bench.
Calloway plays floor general
PG Earl Calloway did an excellent job of taking control of the game and finding his teammates. He was pushing the tempo all afternoon, and also played outstanding defense. He has been in Sampson's doghouse lately, but it looks like he has regained his confidence and will continue to be a starter. Earl scored 11 points and dished out 6 assists. He also had 3 steals.
Free throws becoming IU's forte
The Hoosiers were never a great free throw shooting team, but they are becoming one. The Hoosiers were 16-19 from the line on Sunday, over 84%. They are getting to the line only 19 times a game, something that must improve. In their four losses this season they have only gotten to the line an average of 12.5 times a game. Indiana is shooting 69.7% from the line on the season, but in their last four games they are 82% including 90% in their first 2 Big Ten games.
NEXT UP: WEDNESDAY vs. PURDUE
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