IU cruises in final exhibition game 95-67

It’s the most powerful, electrifying shot in basketball.

And at Monday’s game, it shook the banners of Assembly Hall.

Freshman center Bawa Muniru threw down a dunk with 1:59 left in the second half.
The remaining fans exploded, despite the two points not affecting the score much.

In their final exhibition game, the Hoosiers dominated their opponent like fans expected them to do. IU defeated St. Joseph’s (Ind.) 95-67 at Assembly Hall and finished the preseason 2-0.

Muniru, just cleared to play by the NCAA on Thursday, said he was happy to see the fans’ reactions.

“I’m glad to see the fans get into it,” Muniru said. “That’s what we feed off of, the excitement of the crowd.”

Despite a slow start against Grace College last Wednesday, IU came out more prepared against the Pumas.

They shot 65.4 percent from the field in the first half and finished the game with a solid 55.8 field goal percentage.

The Hoosiers were also consistent, scoring 48 and 47 points in the first and second halves, respectively.

Freshman guard Maurice Creek led the team with 16 points, but junior guard Jeremiah Rivers and sophomore guard Verdell Jones weren’t far behind with 15 each.  

In eight minutes, Muniru had seven points and three blocks.

Senior guard Devan Dumes has been one of Muniru’s most vocal supporters this season. Dumes said his own personal mentor encouraged him to help Muniru, and Dumes has enjoyed the role.

“We joke a lot to keep his spirits up,” he said.

Dumes said Muniru’s attitude changed after his clearance.

“He has been the total opposite,” Dumes said.

Jones, Creek, senior center Tijan Jobe, freshman forward Christian Watford and Rivers made up the starting five on Monday.

“He’s been the most consistent guy,” Crean said of Jobe. Despite playing well in practice this week, Jobe picked up two early fouls and had to sit out early in the game.

After the game, Crean mentioned how past IU teams would have made more free throws than their opponents attempted. That was true Monday, as St. Joseph’s attempted 19, and the Hoosiers shot 32-of-46 from the line.

“We wanted to get in the bonus early tonight,” Crean said.

They finished 69.6 percent for the game, down from the 75.9 percent they had in their previous exhibition.

The addition of Muniru will be an interesting addition for the Hoosiers, but Crean said freshman won’t be a staple.

“By no stretch is he ready to be a center piece of our team,” he said.

IU won both of its exhibition games last year as well. The Hoosiers will begin the regular season Friday against Howard at Assembly Hall.

“I want to see the end zone filled with big heads,” Crean said. “I want to see it sold out on Friday night.”

Student season tickets are available, although they are close to the 7,800 allotted.
Like the young team, Muniriu said he still has a lot to learn once the regular season starts.

“I’ve come a long way,” Muniru said, “but I have a long way to go.”