Within the final seconds of Wednesday’s game, which produced what was perhaps Tamar Bates’ least glamorous yet most important play of the night, there lies something worth noting.
Indiana led by two points with 8.4 seconds left, a once 14-point lead whittled down over the course of the second half. St. John’s was waiting to pass the ball in under Indiana’s basket. It was here that Bates noticed Race Thompson straying toward the middle of the court, away from his man.
Bates extended his arm, pointing toward the unguarded St. John’s player, a small gesture that is likely unnoticeable yet undoubtedly important (Xavier Johnson did the same almost simultaneously).