Make that five in a row for Indiana basketball. The Hoosiers (19-13) are moving on to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament after a 61-59 win over Penn State (16-17) in the second round in Minneapolis.
Here’s why IU is moving on.
Anthony Leal wins the game
With the score tied at 59-59, Malik Reneau’s game-winning attempt from just inside the foul line came off the right side of the rim. But there was Anthony Leal.
Leal came flying in from the right corner to put the ball back up and in with five seconds left to win the game for Indiana. Leal’s second made field goal of the night was the most important of them all. The senior guard finished with eight crucial points to get the Hoosiers the win.
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Ace Baldwin held down
Penn State leading scorer Ace Baldwin was limited to nine points on 3-of-15 from the field on Thursday. Baldwin scored 22 and 23 points in Penn State’s two wins over IU in the regular season, but the trend didn’t continue in Minneapolis.
Baldwin was defended by freshman guard Gabe Cupps for much of the evening. Cupps never let the southpaw scoring guard get comfortable in this matchup. Most of Baldwin’s attempts were contested.
Although Baldwin finished with six assists, Penn State’s lackluster offense can’t produce much without him putting the ball in the hoop. Penn State made only 16 field goals because of Baldwin’s ineffectiveness.
Cupps and Xavier Johnson deserve all the credit for their stellar defensive effort against Baldwin. He was held quiet the entire game, and it’s the primary reason that IU is advancing to play again on Friday night.
Kel’el Ware does Kel’el Ware things
While Ware’s performance wasn’t as emphatic as some of the games he’s had in recent weeks, he was still the best player on the floor. Ware finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.
Ware recorded his 15th double-double of the season to get IU another win. The big man didn’t chase his shot as aggressively as he has recently, but he still finished the game as the Hoosiers’ leading scorer.
Ware has truly come into his own as of late. He’s scored over 15 points in seven of Indiana’s past eight outings. He uses his size to affect and block plenty of shots at the rim. And he’s one of the best rebounders in the Big Ten.
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