Indiana match-up preview video

[McLovin]

Hey everyone, a quick video breaking down the keys to the match-up vs Indiana at MSG.

Video:

Highlights

• Indiana likely without senior PG, Xavier Johnson. This will be a big blow to them offensively
• They are the tallest team we will face this year
• 3 point shooting will be a key to this game
• Indiana is just 11-40 through 3 games on 3PTA
• Indiana has allowed opponents to shoot 37-98 on 3PTA through 3 games
• Indiana has taken more mid-range 2PT shots than 3s (a trend that plays favorably into UConns defensive goals)
• Rebounding will be a point of emphasis for Indiana, and Mike Woodson has not bee happy with their rebounding this season so far

Other game notes that didn't make the cut

• UConn faces Kel'el Ware for the 2nd time in 2 years. He is a sophomore transfer from Oregon and he scored 18pts vs UConn last season in the PK85 (including 2-3 from 3)
• Indiana is a physical team that really trys to draw fouls. We struggled a bit with fouling vs MVSU so this will be something to watch
• Without Castle and with Indiana's poor outside shooting, I wonder if we play some more zone than usual in this one
• Indiana will be relying on young guards without Johnson. I think we will see Hurley put on some full court press
• Indiana has a lot of size... do we see the double bigs from UConn (I'd guess no)

 

[husky429]

Good stuff! Not sure how I didn't catch Johnson being out. Wish they were at full strength.

I have a feeling this will be a coming our party for Solo.

 

[McLovin]

It hasn’t been reported by their beat writers yet, but a lot of their bloggers on Twitter seem to think he’ll be out a few weeks.

 

[auror]

Yeah he was limping after the game but their coach hasn't given an update yet. At minimum, its doubtful he's at 100%.

Their other backup guards are babies with mediocre pedigree. Galloway is a combo a bit like a worse shooting Spencer and Reneau can pass, so the bigger thing will be the loss of scoring and rim pressure. Cupps has been turnover prone, so I expect maybe Ball/Newton and Diarra would be up in his business.

 

[yungdowork]

Karaban really stepped up defensively against Bryce Hopkins later in the year last year, and I think he'll be tested a lot in this game too, hopefully with a similar outcome. Reneau can't shoot like Hopkins, but he's a really good facilitator for his size, and he's been very consistent so far this year (shot 50% or better in every game, scoring just about 15 a game).

It'll be interesting to see how we navigate the Clingan vs Ware matchup, which seems like the most important one to me. If we can make life hard on the interior for them, they don't have much consistent outside scoring, especially with Xavier Johnson out.

 

[superjohn]

Good stuff! Not sure how I didn't catch Johnson being out. Wish they were at full strength.

I have a feeling this will be a coming our party for Solo.

I'll take everyone else not being at full strength considering we're nowhere near full strength.

 

[imno1]

Yeah he was limping after the game but their coach hasn't given an update yet. At minimum, its doubtful he's at 100%.

Their other backup guards are babies with mediocre pedigree. Galloway is a combo a bit like a worse shooting Spencer and Reneau can pass, so the bigger thing will be the loss of scoring and rim pressure. Cupps has been turnover prone, so I expect maybe Ball/Newton and Diarra would be up in his business.

Wait What? Their coach hasn't given an injury update yet? Outrage!

 

[McLovin]

Looks like Xavier Johnson will try to give it a go today.

https://www.si.com/college/indiana/betting/point-spread-latest-line-on-indiana-hoosiers-versus-connecticut-huskies-update-xavier-johnson-injury-status

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

Looks like Xavier Johnson will try to give it a go today.

https://www.si.com/college/indiana/betting/point-spread-latest-line-on-indiana-hoosiers-versus-connecticut-huskies-update-xavier-johnson-injury-status

Wow. i saw that happen and i was sure it was a nasty sprain that would keep him out at least a couple weeks.
Good for him.