Highlights and Thoughts: NC State Beats #6 Indiana on the Road

At times it wasn’t pretty, but lots to gain from a big win for State against #6 Indiana on the road. Above are highlights, below are some thoughts coming out of the game.

• Opponent bigs are still a problem – IU’s Holmes is an amazing player, but we’ve seen struggles inside before from State. Cunane fouled out and Hobby had three fouls, herself. Attacking State in the paint creates opportunities to expose softer defense and bring on serious foul trouble. Good news, Holmes is so wildly athletic and aggressive, that State shouldn’t be facing many more of her kind until the NCAAT.
• Jones passion was everything – State never panicked, but when they were in serious need of a boost, Jones was there. A double-double on the night (17 pts / 11 boards), her yelling and emotions were present and necessary. Felt like for the first time this season, Jones was back to her old self.
• Diamond’s ball handing is just next level – It’s so awesome to be able to watch a player cut and drive like Diamond Johnson. One play in particular…She’s in the corner, brings the ball down to drive the baseline hard, before a sharp cut back up the lane for a turning jumper. Her ability to handle the ball might be the best State has ever seen.
• Bigger win than you’d think – We know some State fans were looking for the Pack to just murder IU…it was never going to happen. Hoosiers are a solid team and that crowd was ROCKING. That’s an atmosphere that State will rarely face on the road. To get a win, in that environment, even without playing your best, is a testament to this team’s ability to do big things.