Saturday was Ugly Sweater Night at Assembly Hall which was rather indicative of the game between IU and Savannah State.
The Hoosiers throttled the Tigers 95-49.
Just less than seven minutes into the first half, it was a 12-9 game. Then, IU closed the half out on a 31-8 run to take a 43-17 lead into halftime.
About five minutes into the second half, the crowd was already chanting for an appearance from freshman forward and fan favorite Tim Priller. By the time the second half rolled around, the game had been decided.
Savannah State gave IU a bit of trouble early on with a full-court press, but the Tigers couldn’t maintain the intensity. IU’s offense mostly got whatever looks it wanted while Savannah State struggled to create anything on the offensive end.
Entering the game, the Tigers were among the nation’s least efficient offenses, and that wouldn’t change. Savannah State shot just 32.1 percent from the field and converted on only 5 of 22 3-point attempts.
IU outrebounded Savannah State 42-24. Savannah State also had 15 turnovers.
Junior guard Yogi Ferrell and freshman guard James Blackmon Jr. both had 18 points to lead IU. Junior forward Troy Williams had 12 points, freshman guard Rob Johnson had 10 and junior guard Nick Zeisloft had nine.
With the win, IU improves 7-1.
Sam Beishuizen
