Offense breaks out in big Hoosier win

IU coach Mike Davis stressed all week in practice offensive execution. Thursday night Davis got the execution he was looking for and saw his team rack up nearly 100 points in a 98-70 win over the Southeastern All-Stars.\n"That was a fun night for us," Davis said. "I thought the last week we really didn't play well, and it really affected practice. (Wednesday) we came in and worked on our offense. Tonight was a lot better than last week."\nAfter last Friday's 70-68 overtime win over Athletes in Action, Davis said the team was very far behind in its offensive sets. Sophomore guard Marshall Strickland said Davis made offense the emphasis of practice everyday this week.\n"It's one thing he really challenged us to go out here tonight and do," Strickland said. "We didn't run that many plays tonight, but the plays we did run, we really tried to focus on and run well."\nThe Hoosiers went into halftime with a 50-33 lead and were never threatened in the second half. IU shot 49.3 percent for the game, 53.6 percent in the first half to help the team build the halftime lead.\nIU was led by sophomore guard Bracey Wright who had 26 points, 21 in the first half. Despite not being at 100 percent after back surgery, Wright has stepped up as the Hoosiers' offensive leader.\n"There were certain times in the game that we forgot places to go, but for the most part, we're coming along now in the offense," Wright said. "We're working out way up to where we were offensively last year."\nIU jumped up to an early 12-3 lead. \nWright made four of five three-pointers as IU shot 53.6 percent behind the arch in the first half. IU outscored the All-Stars by nine in the final five minutes of the first half.\nDefensively, IU was just as tough. The Hoosiers held the All-Stars to 30.8 percent shooting for the game. IU also recorded nine blocks and five steals.\n"This was a difficult team to play against because they're a one-on-one team," Davis said. "Our defense had to be really sharp. We tried to contain them and keep them to one side."\nIU also took numerous charges on the night. Freshman forward Pat Ewing Jr. said the team played with more energy Thursday.\n"The charge is something we work on every day in practice," Ewing Jr. said. "It's hustle points, you know. It's a turnover for the other team. A charge is almost the easiest way to stop a team."\nThree other players scored in double figures for IU. Senior guard A.J. Moye had 10. Ewing contributed 14, and freshman forward Jessan Gray-Ashley came off the bench to score 12.\n"The last couple weeks of practice, he has gotten better every day," Davis said of Gray-Ashley. "He has a chance to be a good player."\nWhile Davis said the team still has a lot to work on, he liked the way his team looked tonight, especially in its attitude.\n"Last week we had a look on our face I haven't seen all preseason," Davis said. "Tonight we had guys smiling and having fun. It was fun tonight. I'm not saying we should go out and have a fun time and not concentrate, but we need to relax and play free. Just play."\nWith only a week remaining until their season opener, Ewing Jr. said the team is getting excited.\n"I can't wait. First real game, there's nothing like it," Ewing Jr. said. "First night for the fans felt great. First exhibition game felt great. I know it's going to feel great, but I hope I can give the fans a nice little showing in a real game."\n-- Contact sports editor Tyler V. Hoeppner at thoeppne@indiana.edu.