IU Shuts Down Wolves: Pritchard Unsung Hero as Hoosiers Claim Very first Big Ten Win

Indiana's (10-8, 1-4) 80-61 residence victory over Michigan (11-7, 1-4) on Saturday allowed for several possible headlines: the Hoosiers are now in the Large Ten win column; Verdell Jones III missed just one of 10 field goals on his method to 24 points; Christian Watford posted a double-double with 17 and 10; and Jordan Hulls deflated the Wolverines with 3 clutch triples.

The aforementioned contributions are worth note, of course, but lost within the points, rebounds and three-pointers is Tom Pritchard. The 6'9" forward, creating his ninth start of the season, provided much-needed defensive energy and interior disruption inside a game the Hoosiers desperately needed. Apart from his seven rebounds, No. 25, on paper, wasn't overly impressive: one shot, two points, zero blocks. But powerful defense and right positioning are attributes that "don't always show up (inside the box score)," stated IU head coach Tom Crean.

In perhaps his finest efficiency in 2010-11, Pritchard "was an enormous element for this team tonight," Crean stated, noting the junior's status like a "smart defender" on more than one occasion. The defense, collectively, turn off UM, holding the team to 36.four percent shooting. Pritchard served as an integral aspect to IU's very best defensive effort given that Massive Ten play started?aand maybe prior?a offering an internal presence that Watford and Derek Elston, for those their skills, have yet to acquire, a minimum of beyond offense. Possibly the Michigan game served as Pritchard's transformation to his freshman type. "You actually can trust him," stated Crean. That statement was undoubtedly correct Saturday evening.