A season off the brink: overheard at Conseco Fieldhouse

INDIANAPOLIS – Seconds before the final game of the Hoosiers’ season tipped off, IU strength and conditioning coach Jeff Watkinson instructed his bench.

“They’ve gotta hear you on the court,” he told the players not starting.

All season, players on the bench have applauded every hustle play and worn out their hands from clapping.

Most of the time, the coaches don’t need to remind those on the pine to stay loud and offer encouragement.

On game night, “Coach Wat” sensed his team would need a boost.
 
“Get away from me.”
– Tom Crean at a referee, voicing his discontent after being whistled for a technical,  Penn State 17, IU 8 – 13:02 remaining (first half)

It was his first “T” of the season, and Crean wanted nothing to do with the zebra that just called him out.

Desperation was beginning to set in.

“We’re doing what we don’t do.”
– Crean knelt down and told his players, Penn State 21, IU 8 – 11:52 remaining (first half)

Turnovers, shot selection and lack of defensive intensity were killing his team.

“We’re playing Penn State, for Christ’s sake! Let’s go!”
– A fan begged behind IU’s bench, Penn State 42, IU 28 – 17:13 remaining (second half)

The Nittany Lions, who were a combined 53-94 in their last five seasons headed into this one, were depriving Hoosiers of even a glimmer of hope in the second half.

IU fans piled into Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12 and stood by their team as they have all season.

After the game, the fans’ biggest fan praised those who had stood by the Hoosiers one final time.

“We may not understand how great this is right now, but there will be a time and day when we look at it and know our fan support was beyond anything anybody could have asked for or imagined,” Crean said.

“Let’s go, red”
– RoShown McLeod ordered the huddle, Penn State 47, IU 28 – 15:45 remaining (second half)

The assistant coach attempted to rally his fading team during a time out. The Nittany Lions opened the half on an 11-3 run and weren’t going to let a second- half meltdown deprive them of advancing to the next round.

“Ky-le Ta-ber”
– The fans chanted as IU’s lone senior walked off the floor one last time, Penn State 63, Indiana 49 – 2:28 remaining (second half)

Taber glanced up into the stands one last time as his collegiate career came to an
end.

His coach admitted he “asked him to do more things than he could of ever dreamed of.”

From late May until now, Crean said the most impressive part of this season might be No. 44’s improvement.

But there would be no celebration tonight. There was no relief that the season was
over.

Only “disappointment,” Taber said. “This team got along really well together, we had a lot of fun. We came in and competed every day. And especially for me, I’m sad to see it end.”

“Way to play it out, fellas”
– A Hoosier fan congratulated the team, Penn State 66, Indiana 49 – 1:33 remaining (second half)

IU held the Nittany Lions scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the second half when it could have rolled over without objection.

“I want you to take this all in”
– Crean whispered as he gathered his players on the bench, Penn State 66 – Indiana 51 – closing seconds (second half)

The walk-ons and manager were in the game, and Crean wanted his players to remember just what a 6-25 season felt like.

In April, Crean said he inherited “the disaster known as IU basketball.”

Eleven months later, Crean said he thinks this team will be remembered for how hard his players fought and how loudly IU’s fans supported them.

“There wasn’t winning streaks to bring them to the gym, there wasn’t any 30-point scorers or high wire dunks,” Crean said. “We didn’t run an alley-oop play all year ... but yet everyone supported it. And I think, to me, that’s where the memories will be.”