Michigan 58 IU 55

Some random thoughts after watching IU battle valiantly, but again fall short in a winnable road game:

• IU should have won this game, even with the short rest and without Earl Calloway. IU has made huge strides this year but they still are not able to make the plays they need to make down the stretch on the road. I just don't understand how IU wins blowouts at home and plays from behind practically all game on the road against the same teams. Iowa, Michigan, and Purdue were all beatable on the road. IU just doesn't seem mentally tough enough yet to do it.
• How does Tommy Amaker keep his job? I thought Michigan looked like a better team in Bloomington than they did today. So many stupid turnovers and dumb fouls. If Michigan doesn't hit their 3's today (or IU executes down the stretch), they lose at home to a team with even (or maybe less) talent, playing on short rest, and without their starting point guard. This is now his 10th year as a head coach and he's been to ONE NCAA tourney. Just goes to show you the halo one gets from being a Dukie.
• I wonder how much Lance Stemler's early-season concussion has affected him. Before the concussion he was a 50% 3-point shooter. Since the concussion he's got to be below 30%, if not below 20%.
  
• Ben Allen has a big decision this off-season. Does he stay, get in really good shape, and truly dedicate himself to being a low-post player? Or does he transfer (to UAB?) so he can be a 7'0" shooting guard? I realize he may not be fully recovered from mono, but he didn't exactly impress before he got sick.
• I found it interesting that Sampson started Suhr at point and Bassett at 2-guard. IU really struggled offensively with that arrangement. When Sampson adjusted and moved Bassett to point (and Suhr to 2) to start the 2nd half, IU started clicking offensively. Down the stretch it seemed Suhr went back to point and IU struggled again. I like Suhr as a bit player but he just can't get IU's offense set up when teams put quick defenders on him and pressure him.

IU needs to take care of business Wednesday at home against Minnesota. Next Saturday at Michigan State will be IU's last chance for a QUALITY road win. I'd really like to see them get that game both for seeding purposes and to build their confidence for next season.