BLOOMINGTON -- When the Indiana Hoosiers needed a jolt, and boy did they need one against Coppin State, coach Tom Crean went with full-court pressure.
The defense spurred the intensity and then the offense as top-ranked IU rolled to an 87-51 victory Saturday night.
The Hoosiers (8-0) were led by Victor Oladipo, who had 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Will Sheehey had 14 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Coppin State (1-6) was led byu Taariqu Cephas’ 13 points.
Sheehey was once again an off-the-bench catalyst. Christian Watford finally found his offensive rhythm and totaled 10 points and seven rebounds. Remy Abell continued to impressive with his overall improvement. He didn’t miss a shot and scored 10 points.
IU had its worst start of the season. It missed its first nine shots, had some turnovers and fell into an 11-7 hole. Crean put the Hoosiers into a full-court press and the defense eventually got the offense going.
IU ended the half on a 26-8 run for a 33-19 halftime lead. Oladipo had a steal and dunk in the opening five seconds of the second half to set a tone.
There would be no upset.
