Prior to Sunday afternoon’s exhibition against Division-II foe Slippery Rock, IU Coach Teri Moren preached the importance of balance in all facets of the game.
The Hoosiers did just that, as four Hoosiers finished in double-figure scoring en route to a 98-33 drubbing of Slippery Rock at Assembly Hall.
Sophomore guard Tyra Buss opened the season in fashion, as she ushered in the new year with a game-high 31 points in her first game at point guard for IU. Buss allowed the Hoosiers to play at a tempo that overwhelmed the visitors from western Pennsylvania, and IU jumped out to a 53-19 halftime lead courtesy of a 30-8 second quarter.
“It felt great to have the ball back in my hands and be able to run the offense,” Buss said. “I thought my teammates did a great job of creating space and getting open. They made it easy for me — I have to give credit to them.”
Buss was not alone in the rout, as sophomore forward Amanda Cahill — 14 points and 12 rebounds — and junior guard Alexis Gassion — 12 points and 11 rebounds — finished with double-doubles for the Hoosiers.
Trailing by 34 at halftime, Slippery Rock was able to play much more competitively with IU in the third quarter. The Hoosiers outscored the Rock 16-10 in the third frame before finishing the exhibition in style with a 26-4 margin in the fourth quarter.
“We want to run — I want to run,” Moren said. “I think everyone wants to see a fast-paced game. That’s what I love about Tyra. We were a little gassed towards the end, but there’s nothing better than having a point guard that wants to get it and go.”
Junior guard Karlee McBride played well off the bench in Sunday’s matinee. The 5-foot-10 guard scored 20 points and had seven rebounds and assists. McBride was able to score at all distances from the basket, as she splashed three 3-pointers and finished in transition and in the post.
“I thought she played really well,” Cahill said. “Not just scoring-wise — she was getting a lot of rebounds and played well defensively. That’s something we’re really going to need from her. She had a great start to the season.”
At 6-foot-3, senior forward Sorriyah Ranger was Slippery Rock’s lone starter over taller than six feet. The Hoosiers were able to take advantage of an undersized opponent and outrebounded the Rock by a 62-38 margin.
“We were just trying to be aggressive on the boards and get everything we could,” Cahill said. “We used our bodies and did what we have worked on in practice.”
Junior guard Tyshee Towner scored nine points in her first game for the Hoosiers after transferring from Wabash Valley College.
“She’s going to be really special for us,” Moren said of Towner. “Primarily on the defensive end. We’ll also need her on the offensive end. Tyshee’s strength is not from beyond the arc — she’s a slasher and penetrator.”
Towner started due to sophomore guard Jess Walter’s jaw injury. Moren said Walter is questionable for Friday’s season-opening game against Tennessee State.
“There were some concussion symptoms,” Moren said. “We’re in week two now, but she’s feeling much better. It’s too early to tell if we’ll have her for Friday night.”
IU will officially open the 2015-2016 campaign Friday when IU faces Tennessee State. The Hoosiers and Tigers are slated for a noon tipoff in Assembly Hall.
