Column: Falling into the finish

Freshman forward Cody Zeller recorded his third double-double of the season.

Now that I’ve told you every positive from IU’s 78-66 loss in Iowa on Sunday, let’s focus on why this was one of the most disappointing defeats of the Hoosiers’ season.

Entering Sunday, IU averaged the most points per game of any Big Ten team with 78.4, while the Hawkeyes allowed the most points per game in the conference at 72.3.

Now forgive me, as many of you should know by now that I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I’m pretty sure a prolific offense going against a terrible defense should favor the former, right?

The last time these two teams faced off, those stats actually meant something, as the Hoosiers scored the most points by any Big Ten team during conference season, with 103.

But Sunday, IU defied expectations in the worst possible way. IU Coach Tom Crean’s team lost a game it shouldn’t have, in an environment that should only strike fear into the hearts of corn stalks, by recording its lowest point total since the Hoosiers’ last loss four games ago.

There’s no single individual to blame — this was a team effort.

An inconsistent junior forward Christian Watford played the third-most minutes of any Hoosier and went 0-for-5 from the field, 1-of-2 at the free throw line and grabbed four boards. Junior guard Jordan Hulls has two points in just as many games. IU committed 14 turnovers, and even when the Hoosiers did have the ball, they made just 37.7 percent of their shots.

The defense was as ugly as a Nicki Minaj halftime performance.

Yes, Matt Gatens hit seven 3-pointers en route to a career-high 30 points, but after the first four or five triples, you would think the Hoosiers would catch on and close out on him more quickly.

The Hoosiers’ last lead came at the 17:24 mark of the first half, up 8-7. Where were the adjustments? Down at the half, Crean started the second with the same lineup that underperformed in the first.

IU senior guard Matt Roth did not miss any of his four attempts from 3-point range and played for just 15 minutes. Watford was in a funk from the beginning and was on the floor for 24.

Maybe there was a matchup problem I was missing. I’m not the coach. There’s a fine line between genius and madness — and these substitutions usually erase it.

But more than anything, this loss may be evidence of a 20-win hangover.

Although balloons for IU’s Selection Sunday party room may be prepped, this team’s milestones cannot deflate its motivation.

Of course Crean’s squad is playing to win every game.

But after accomplishing a huge milestone in this program’s rebirth, the Hoosiers have to maintain their focus and play for a bye in the Big Ten Tournament — the top four teams get one — and a seed in the Big Dance that could land IU close to home in the opening rounds.

A team that is motivated to accomplish these goals does not let a then-.500 Iowa team outplay it in every facet of the game.

After breaking a series of tackles, the end zone is in sight. True, the Hoosiers have already surpassed expectations, but I think they can do better than a field goal.

It is up to the Hoosiers to either cross the goal line in a dignified finish or trip up in the red zone.

­— azaleon@indiana.edu