Eying IU

IU knocks off Ohio State

The Hoosiers keep finding a way to win.

Eric Gordon had an off night from the floor, but Armon Bassett was there to pick up Indiana in a 72-69 victory against Ohio State.

The amazing thing about this run, seven wins in eight games, is that the players have put all the distractions aside and have kept going.

Bassett has shown his leadership Saturday at Northwestern and again Tuesday against the Buckeyes. His 23 points led the way. Gordon added 17, but on 4 of 16 shooting from the field.

Sunday’s opponent, Michigan State, is really the last serious threat in the pursuit of at least a share of the regular season Big Ten title.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

IU leads at halftime

It wasn’t the most thrilling half of basketball, but I’m sure Dan Dakich and Indiana will take it.

The Hoosiers lead Ohio State 30-21 at halftime here in Dakich’s home debut as the Hoosiers’ interim coach. Neither team is shooting particularly well. The Hoosiers are at 35.3 percent from the floor, Ohio State 31 percent. It’s not that the defenses have been overpowering, both teams have missed a lot of open shots.

Armon Bassett is the only person in double figures in scoring with 13 points.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Dakich set for home debut

Dan Dakich’s home debut as IU’s interim coach is moments away. He received a warm applause from the Assembly Hall faithful when he walked onto the court two minutes before the tip. He waved to each side to acknowledge the cheers.

With a win, the Hoosiers would pull into a tie for first in the Big Ten with Wisconsin. A win for Ohio State would help its NCAA tournament chances.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

IU holds off Northwestern

Anyone who thought there would be a boycott of Saturday’s game against Northwestern just hasn’t followed this Indiana team closely. These players have been through a lot, not just in the last two weeks, but the whole year.

IU fought through the emotions of losing its coach and held on to defeat a game Northwestern squad, 85-82.

Several Hoosiers skipped Friday’s practice. But everyone showed up and contributed in the game.

“It was an emotional time for us,” said Armon Bassett, who had a team-high 24 points. “We had some things going on. But we weren’t going to sit out anything. We had some things going on and we just didn’t come to practice. We’re sorry about that.”

IU started sluggish, but that was to be expected. The fantastic finish, which included a stellar defensive play by D.J. White could be just what the team needs as it tries to regroup.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

IU trails by two at halftime

The Hoosiers came out sluggish, not a huge surprise given the circumstances they are playing under, but rallied to get within 37-35 at halftime against Northwestern.

Armon Bassett kept the team in the game early. He has a team-high 12 points. D.J. White added 11. Jordan Crawford hit two three-pointers late in the half as IU tried to fight back from a nine-point deficit.

The Hoosiers are shooting 59.1 percent from the floor, but have 10 turnovers.

Northwestern has had several backdoor layups. The Wildcats are shooting 51.9 ercent from the floor. Kevin Coble has 14 points.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

NU students have their say

While IU fans might actually outnumber Northwestern supporters, the students have done their best to keep the Hoosiers distracted.

Fans held up cell phones and yelled “Sampson’s calling” while Eric Gordon attempted free throws with 12:20 to go in the first half. One wore a shirt which read “Call Me Sampson.”

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Dakich arrives to cheers

Dan Dakich walked on the court just prior to tipoff and received an ovation from the large IU contingent here in Evanston. Dakich waved to the crowd.

There were no punishments for those who skipped Friday’s practice. D.J. White, Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, among those who didn’t attend the session Friday afternoon, were in the starting lineup.

Dakich received a large hand when his name was announced as the head coach.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Hoosiers set to face Northwestern

It’s just before tip here in Evanston, and yes, the entire team is here.

Northwestern’s student section is all over the group, with chants like “Hoosier coach.”

There is a large group of IU fans, nearly filling the upper bowl of one side of Welsh-Ryan Arena. They cheered when the team ran onto the court for their warm-up.

We’ll see what Dan Dakich has in store for his debut.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Sampson out, now what?

A long day, heck a long week, ended with a result most expected.

Kelvin Sampson is out as Indiana's basketball coach and Dan Dakich will serve as the interim coach.

The Hoosiers are in a battle for a Big Ten title, but allegations of telephone recruiting violations have put a damper on that chase.

Sampson had to go. In the short run it might hurt, there was talk of some players boycotting Saturday's game at Northwestern. But for the good of the university, Sampson's decision to take a buyout and resign was the necessary step.

So now what? Can the season continue to be a success?

Dakich has 10 years of coaching experience at Bowling Green. He came aboard late this year at IU. There will be an adjustment period. Of course, it’s a little easier if you have D.J. White and Eric Gordon.

If the team can get on the same page, I don’t think IU will fade in the Big Ten race.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Sampson out at IU

ESPN has reported that IU has reached a settlement with Kelvin Sampson. Sampson will step down as coach and will receive a $750,000 buyout. Also, Sampson agreed not to sue the university for wrongful termination.

Dan Dakich will take over as coach on an interim basis.