There were lobs, dunks and blocks, highlights from every facet of the game. But perhaps the best representation of Indiana’s brilliant night wasn’t filled with flash and grandeur. It was simple, fundamental basketball, executed to perfection.
With just under 10 minutes left in the second half and Indiana already holding a 35-point lead, Northern Illinois put on a full-court press. The first option wasn’t there for Jordan Geronimo, who was passing the ball in. He remained patient, though, waiting for Tamar Bates to cut toward the baseline. Bates caught the ball and, as a double team converged, he calmly flipped the ball to Rob Phinisee, who was cutting down the middle of the floor.