Hoosiers accept lots of charity

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Bruce Weber said earlier this week Indiana “isn’t my favorite team.”

The Hoosiers definitely aren’t now.

The Illini had a chance for another image makeover Thursday night at Indiana’s Assembly Hall, but instead fell 84-71, losing for the fifth time in six games.

Indiana forward Christian Watford’s 3-pointer with 5 minutes, 46 seconds to go was a dagger that served the Illini a 12-point deficit and seemed to seal the game. But when the Illini have nightmares about Indiana’s Assembly Hall, the free-throw line will be the main villain.

Illinois (16-8, 5-6 Big Ten) sent Indiana (19-6, 7-6) to the line far too frequently, and the Hoosiers connected on an astounding 35 of 42. The Illini only shot 15 free throws, making 12, and three players fouled out.

After maintaining pace – or maybe even setting it – in the first half, Illinois stalled. The Illini shot 52 percent in one of their best offensive games but it wasn’t enough to combat their rash of fouls and poor defense down the stretch.

They deflated in the final minutes, failing to make a field goal in an unbearable 6:18 stretch.

Illinois center Meyers Leonard had dominated the first half with 15 points but it was his foil, Cody Zeller, who had the biggest impact when it counted.

Leonard went to the bench for several minutes with 12:29 left in the game when he picked up his fourth foul, and watched the Hoosiers establish a significant lead. He fouled out to the delight of the rabid fans with 3:09 remaining and just two more points.

Zeller, a freshman, made only 1 of 3 shots in the first half for eight points (six from the line) but was a renewed player after halftime. He finished with 22 points making 12 of 14 free throws.

Momentum swung toward Indiana in a critical 10-2 run that bumped the Hoosiers ahead 54-46 about four minutes into the second half. Jordan Hulls hit a 3-pointer and Zeller followed up with a 3-point play and a layup.

He and Leonard got tangled up at the other end and exchanged stares with the referee corralling Leonard, who indicated to the official he had been hit in the head.