Adversity was unkind to just five days ago in East Lansing.
The Hoosiers were knocked down early. They didn’t get up. IU lost by 20.
Against No. 22 Ohio State in Saturday’s Big Ten home-opening game, IU was knocked down early.
But then the Hoosiers got up.
IU held off a series of late charges from Ohio State to win 69-66. Ohio State had a chance for a tie in the game’s final moments, but a final shot fell short.
Freshman guard James Blackmon Jr. led the way for IU with 18 points, breaking out of a bit of a personal shooting slump.
Sophomore forward Troy Williams had 15 points and junior guard Yogi Ferrell had 10.
IU began the game down 9-2 in what was an eerily similar start to its loss to Michigan State on Monday but was able to absorb repeated blows.
Ultimately, each time Ohio State got within striking distance, IU would have an answer. A defensive stop here or a score the other way there.
The win improves IU to 12-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Sam Beishuizen
