Indiana’s escape against Army certainly wasn’t what most IU fans expected to watch.
The Hoosiers just looked flat out sloppy and slow.
While a win is a win, Indiana will need to change quite a few things before they head to New York this weekend.
And one of those things includes the starting five’s first half performance.
Coach Woodson told the media that “that whole unit stunk the last two games in the first half. When you put a starting five out on the floor, you expect them to get you off to a great start, and we haven’t done that the last two games.”
When Xavier Johnson took to the podium to speak after Woodson he admitted that he and his teammates have not been going as hard as they should be in practice.
“We’re not going as hard. I think our preparation led to that, and that’s what I believe.”
If Indiana wants to hang with Uconn next Sunday, their preparation has to be better.
The Hoosiers will also need to see more from Mackenzie Mgbako who only recorded 2 points and 16 minutes of playing time yesterday.
“I want to see more from Mackenzie, more from Kaleb, more from CJ. I want to see more when they’re in the game. If I don’t feel like they’re giving it to me, I’ve got to go somewhere else and get it.”
And Woodson seems to be going to Gabe Cupps to get that “more.”
While Cupps only recorded 5 points and 2 assists yesterday, he drained a three with 2:05 to go in the second half to give the Hoosiers the 6 point lead.
He provides a contagious spark off the bench, and his gritty play yesterday gave Hoosier fans *something* to cheer about.
This team played messy yesterday, but they have one more chance to get the kinks out on Thursday night when they host Wright State.
The Hoosiers then will have a quick turnaround before their true test against reigning national champions University of Connecticut when they head up east for the Empire Classic this weekend.
