
Hoosiers take down New York’s Big Ten team
IU just ended RU’s season in basketball. The two vaunted rivals met earlier this afternoon during the second round of the 2022 Big Ten Tournament. 5-seed Indiana’s victory over 13-seed Rutgers tied the all-time series between the schools at 6 games apiece, and sent IU to the Conference Quarterfinals for the 7th straight season.
Indiana did not have a great scout out on Rutgers, as the teams’ only scheduled meeting this season was postponed, but it didn’t really matter. This was a pretty routine game for the Hoosiers. Great defense (10 steals), Great shooting (40% from 3), and control of the pace of play throughout were the keys for the Cream and Crimson. A classic Ali Patberg postseason performance certainly helped, too.
As mentioned above, Grad Forward Ali Patberg was the headliner for the Hoosiers. The Indiana legend finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, and was an exceptional 5-7 from 3. Patberg shines when the lights are brightest. This IU squad is among the most experienced in the country, and Patberg is their most experienced player. She is a great leader and the Hoosiers will rely on her heavily over the remainder of the season.
Grace Berger also chipped in 17, 6, and 6. The 1st-Team All-Big Ten Guard continually drew doubles in the midrange, forcing a second defender to commit before either knifing a pass into the paint or kicking it back out to an open shooter. Good things happen when the offense runs through #34.
Nicole Cardaño-Hillary was her usual, menacing self defensively. The All-Big Ten Defender recorded a game-high 5 steals and served as a thorn in the side of Scarlet Knight ball carriers throughout. she also hit a three and added 2 assists.
Little things to clean up: Rutgers won the rebounding battle, 35-30. They also scored 8 more points in the paint than IU did (28-20). Hopefully the heavy minutes off the bench from Chloe Moore-McNeil help keep Aleksa Gulbe and Mackenzie Holmes relatively fresh in preparation for tomorrow. IU’s leading rebounders will have their hands full, as Maryland’s All-League Forward Angel Reese will be looking to put up 20+ points and 10+ rebounds on the Hoosiers for the third time this season.
Survive and advance. Next up for the Hoosiers is their highly-anticipated rubber match against the 4-seed Maryland Terrapins. A win will likely clinch a top-4 seed, and the pair of home games that comes with it, in the NCAA Tournament for IU. Tip is set for around 2pm tomorrow in Indy.