Indiana suited up in USA gear for game one of the FISU tournament earlier today. They beat the home nation, Peru, 115-36. USA’s length and physicality were very apparent throughout the game. They were able to dictate the pace, giving Peru no chance in this affair.
The game’s live feed didn’t allow viewers to watch much of the first quarter, but the USA jumped out to an early 28-10 lead after one quarter. Then head coach Darian DeVries’ squad was able to keep the same intensity with an equally dominant second quarter. The second half wasn’t perfect, but they never let Peru have any hope.
Halftime adjustments were a huge advantage for USA as they dominated the third quarter.
Team USA successfully squeezed the life out of Peru defensively in the third. One key highlight was Trent Sisley, whose defensive pressure led to a steal and then a massive slam on the other end. Hard to say without stats, but USA was able to use defensive pressure and transition offense to carve out a 90-28 lead after three.
USA continued their intensity through the end of the game, not letting up on the gas, even when up 75 points. USA finished out with a 115-36 victory in the game. USA lined up for a victory team photo after their win.
Takeaways
Indiana was without starting center Samet Yigitoglu in this game and will be without him for the entire tournament. While he struggled in the Canada exhibition, he still provides a unique size to this team.
Without Samet, Indiana played a faster tempo than in the Canada Exhibition. This will be something to note for when he inevitably gets into foul trouble, or even for when he needs rest throughout games.
Indiana’s defensive communication was weak during the Canada game, but looked stronger in this game.
“Especially in the second half,” DeVries said. “I thought the first half, as it kind of went on, we started gambling, got a little aggressive and lacked a little discipline of what we would normally do. But I thought as the game went on, we really settled into some of the things that we want to establish on the defensive end.”
The defense really excelled coming out of the half. In the third quarter, USA allowed only six points. Sure, the talent gap is a large part of this, but it also was apparent that there was an emphasis put on defensive effort. Communication will improve as the season continues, but it is a great sign to see it improve after just two games.
Aiden Sherrell still seems to be the most important player for Indiana. His rim protection seems elite, although he is playing against much smaller players. He also is a great rebounder and can stretch the court with shooting. Indiana will thrive with him this season.
The team rebounding seemed better in this game. They didn’t give up as many slip-ups in this realm as they did against Canada. This was a clear emphasis for Devries.
Sam Alexis has been added to the roster for the rest of the tournament. He will provide some depth and experience for Indiana throughout this tournament.
“Adding Sam just gives us some more versatility without two of our other bigs,” DeVries said. “… and just having his experience from last year, being around the guys, so it’s a great opportunity for us to take advantage of him.”
It doesn’t appear that Alexis will join this team any more than this tournament, but he will provide Indiana with needed big man depth in the absence of Yigitoglu. Alexis’ veteran leadership will also help this squad unite more during this international trip.
Team USA will play its next game against the U.S. Virgin Islands on Thursday at 6 p.m.
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