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Indiana combined balanced scored, physical play and tenacious defense to beat Nebraska 76-47 Thursday night at Assembly Hall.
Here are some of the keys to the victory:
1. Second-half energy
The Hoosiers slept walked through much of the first half, but really caught fire in the second half. They had a 49-29 scoring edge in the second half.
2. Playing without Cody Zeller
Foul trouble limited Zeller to nine first-half minutes. IU used balanced offense and aggressive defense to make up for it with its 27-18 lead. Zeller had 13 points and four rebounds in the second half.
3. Pressure defense
The early pace was too slow for IU coach Tom Crean, so he went with full-court pressure. It paid off. In the first half Nebraska had no assists and 10 turnovers. It finished with three assists and 15 turnovers.
4. Get to the line
As usual, IU attacked the rim and was rewarded with free throw opportunities. It was 13-for-16 from the line in the first half, 24-for-29 for the game. Nebraska was 9-for-11.
5. Controlling the boards
Indiana had a 26-24 rebound edge. Christian Watford led with 11. Add his 13 points and you have his fifth double-double of the season.
