IU perseveres despite recent losing streak

The IU women’s basketball team is glad to be back home. The Hoosiers return to Assembly Hall for the first time in two weeks with back-to-back Big Ten home games.

IU first takes on Minnesota at 7 p.m. today and then Wisconsin at 2 p.m. Sunday.

February will be crucial if the Hoosiers (8-13, 2-7) hope to turn their season around. Currently, IU is on a seven-game losing streak.

Last time out against Minnesota, the Hoosiers defeated the Golden Gophers in overtime, for their first win at Williams Arena in nine years.

“Our coaches are getting on us hard about things that we need to improve, which needs to happen,” senior guard Jori Davis said. “But in the meantime, me as a leader, as the team, everyone knows that we are here for you, too.”

The Hoosiers will have to go back and learn to improve the things they struggled with in January. Davis said it’s the little things like executing on offense and staying tough on the defensive end.

Defensive pressure will be crucial against Minnesota. As a team, they are shooting 41.5 percent from the field.

IU coach Felisha Legette-Jack said she plans on sticking with their matchup zone to combat Minnesota’s size, offensive intensity and sound bench.

“We’re just going to continue to do what we do,” coach Legette-Jack said.
“We play our matchup zone and we’re going to have to live or die with it. We think that we’re getting better in it. We think that we can get to their shooters quicker.”

The games against Minnesota and Wisconsin will set the tone for the month.

Coach Legette-Jack believes her team will continue to work hard. If they play their best every day in practice and games that is something she can handle.

“If you left it out there and fell short, there is nothing you can do,” Legette-Jack said. “But if you didn’t leave it out there and you look in that mirror, you know who have got some work to do the next day.”