Category: Indiana University Hoosier (I.U) Sports (Page 17 of 31)
Indiana University Hoosier athletics
A second consecutive day of sunshine was the highlight of my morning outing, although the temperatures are still in the chilly 30s. I’m back in the warmth of my home office with the TV providing background noise. The chair I’m sitting on is worn and stained after four years of retirement. It rarely got use before that time, but now in need of repair. The edges are particularly tattered from watching I.U. basketball. (See Post #1604). Today’s project will be to install new foam rubber padding and fabric in an attempt to restore the original appearance. The new cushioning will also help my aching back, after too many hours of sitting here writing and watching.
I have a staple gun and tacks ready to put to use, a rare construction effort for me. My wife will provide the necessary supervision because I’ve never been much of a do-it-yourselfer. It should be done in time for tonight’s televised game against Rutgers. I’ll add extra padding around the edges and tighten up the loose screws that cause it to rock. I might have to cover it with plastic to keep from spilling anything on it before it soon sits in my new Florida office.
Yesterday, I read an Indy Star article by Gregg Doyel about the chair that Bobby Knight threw in a Purdue game back in 1985. My chair isn’t nearly as famous but could tell many stories, as well. The funny thing about the famous Knight chair is that no one really knows which of 100 plastic chairs was actually that chair, although several people claim to own it. It’s the most famous chair in NCAA basketball history, but there’s no way to prove which one was which. Apparently, there are still sixteen left from the original 100 in a dusty Indiana University storeroom. The rest have either been damaged beyond repair or stolen. One was autographed by Bob Knight and sold at auction. My seat just needs to be repaired, as if anyone else might want it!
Spring is nearly here – pitchers and catchers reported this week. Spring Training games begin at the end of February, so just a few weeks away. The Dodgers are picked to repeat, while the White Sox are in the favorites mix for once. The Cubs are picked behind the Cardinals and expected to have a mediocre year. As basketball heads to Selection Sunday, I.U. can take another step towards a spot in the 64-team field with a victory over Michigan State this morning. It’s another 9 a.m. start on the West Coast, far too early to get my blood pressure up. The match-up will likely be frustrating, with the Hoosiers unable to string multiple BIG victories together. Five games left until the BIG Tourney, after adding another this week, and I.U. needs at least two of them to go their way.
At least there’s some excitement to look forward to watching, regardless of the outcome. It was hard when the pandemic reared its ugly head a year ago and there was no I.U. basketball for me to rant about. In fact, the only basketball was TBT, the first of the sporting events to play all tournament games in one quarantined location. MLS Soccer was next, then the NBA, and now the NCAA, all in venues around the state of Indiana. Baseball will probably continue to be regionalized and fans limited until the vaccine finally gets the viral spread under control. My age group is eligible in a few weeks.
I.U. looked strong to start the game for once, but Michigan State caught on fire to reverse a 13-point deficit. I.U. then rallied for a rare 4-point halftime lead. It looks like another close BIG battle that will come down to the wire. There were a few brief moments when I foolishly thought it would be a blowout, but the Hoosiers could not hit an outside shot and too many bunnies. Dunk the ball dammit! We’re also 2-10 from three, but fortunately they aren’t shooting much better. The Spartans stole a couple of Indiana All-Stars from under our nose, so hopefully this won’t come back to haunt us down the stretch. I’m on the edge of my seat!
P.S. 78-71 I.U. loss!
It was another winter day that required going underground. I watched several other runners navigate the plowed streets filled with ruts and tire marks. There was a time when I loved to run in the snow, but with balance issues I’m reluctant to risk a misstep. I did the short distance to the parking garage and was the only activity on the lowest level. The Streak continues at 4,430 consecutive days. I’m now in front of the television set waiting for the I.U. game against Ohio State to start. I have an ominous feeling, concerned about another poor shooting performance.
We continued our Hitchcock marathon last night over a Sorrento’s pizza, the only restaurant open on our block. The snow is at about five inches with several layers of crust underneath. This was supposed to be a big Valentine’s weekend for area dining establishments, as capacity restrictions were loosened. Instead, Mother Nature reared her ugly head. I continue to empathize with the food business in these tough times. Last night’s Hitchcock thriller was The Wrong Man (1956) and the start of Spellbound (1945). We’ve already seen Lifeboat (1944), Dial M for Murder (1954), Suspicion (1941), North By Northwest (1959), The Lady Vanishes (1938), To Catch a Thief (1955), Marnie (1964), Rope (1948), The 39 Steps (1935), Rear Window (1954), Saboteur (1942), Vertigo (1958), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) and The Birds (1963) over the last month.
I received a couple of e-bay shipments today containing sports collectables. One was postage due and did not include an item presented in the offer. I’m in a sour mood on dealing with this after a poor I.U. half of turnovers, shot clock violations, and missed bunnies. I hope the day gets better. At least I have heat unlike some of my friends. There would be nothing worse during this pandemic than no TV or heat to go with it. Although, I wouldn’t have to watch this game or look for Hitchcock cameos.
The last few days have started with two wild and crazy dogs, as Tally’s doggy niece Falco is visiting. There are nine years difference in their ages but Tally always revisits puppyhood in her presence. They are also much braver as a pair, barking in tandem at every other dog in the neighborhood. Falco is always impatient to go outside once I get up, accustomed to living with a younger, working couple used to getting up earlier. I have to alter my routine to accommodate her demands, so push-ups and sit ups have to wait until she’s done her duty. Then, finally, I get a peaceful hour of running, free from any dog responsibilities. This makes my morning trek more of something to look forward to rather than regret.
As taking care of two dogs takes extra time, so did yesterday’s I.U. basketball overtime victory. They squeaked by a marginal Northwestern team after what looked like certain disaster. The team was getting heavy criticism about a 2-9 record following wins over rated teams, a sure sign of letting down. The surprising home and away upsets over #8 Iowa last weekend had them only slightly favored over the Wildcats yesterday, who had lost nine straight games, so certainly the Hoosiers weren’t underestimating the importance of this road game. Also, Northwestern had already beaten them in December at Assembly Hall. It took double overtime to seal the victory, after Indiana struggled for most of the game, only leading for a total of 14-seconds in regulation and at one point falling 14-points behind, including six straight missed free throws. I.U. didn’t score in the first five-and-a-half minutes and only had seven points in the first thirteen, limping into halftime with a controversial twenty-points after a replay ruled that time had not expired on a fast shot clock violation.
In games this season, the anemic first half offense has not clicked with only 19 against Texas in the opener and 21 versus Maryland. Without the favorable replay, this would have been the lowest output of the year. The reversal also accounted for Trayce Jackson Davis’ only points in the first half. Plus, just like the Iowa game, I was constantly on the edge of my seat after so many failed opportunities to close out the game. It took a career scoring high 24-points from Armaan Franklin, a critical three from just out of the doghouse Jerome Hunter, and a 7-0 personal run by Al Durham, including critical free throws, to stop the 2-9 bleeding.
The edge of the chair awaits again this weekend with a visit to #4 Ohio State. We’ve got to find a way to score, cut down on turnovers, and hit some free throws to have a chance. These are the three factors that have plagued us all season. Two straight victories is the longest streak the Hoosiers have been able to manage this season, with only six match-ups left to play. Covid has prevented road games against both Michigan and Michigan State, but both teams come to Bloomington before this year is over. I still think we’ll be fortunate to go 3-3 in this final stretch for a mediocre 9-9 conference record, as I’ve predicted from the start. I also foresee more Overtime nail-biters in my future. The once dominant Cream & Crimson are going to the BIG dogs!
Just another Sunday in February. “Sunday” Brunch on the radio and a much too early 9 a.m. I.U. basketball game against Iowa. Another sloppy start by the Hoosiers on the verge of losing an unheard of four games straight at home, and I need whisky to cope, although a Bloody Mary would be more appropriate. Oh yes, and the Super Bowl is this afternoon…Ho Hum. Brady vs. Mahomes – I can’t say I really care. Not even some good commercials to watch or a decent half-time show.
Clang…Clang…Clang… go the baskets – and frustrating turnovers to boot. Missed free throws and long scoring draughts add to the misery. It’s like a reoccurring nightmare, dating back too many years. Then, suddenly, a brief moment of competency and an unexpected half-time lead. It’s hard to figure out this Hoosier team, but Garza on the bench for Iowa certainly helped. By the way, we had the halfway lead against Illinois on Monday night and that didn’t turn out so well. We need another marquis win to make the tournament and it doesn’t matter if it’s against the same team twice.
Tom Brady changed uniforms this year, but will still be playing in his tenth Super Bowl today. Since I’ll soon be a Florida resident, I should probably support his Tampa Bay team. It’s incredible in life how some people get all the glory, while others get none. Patrick Mahomes is the defending champion, so it’s hard to see either as an underdog. I’m sure I will waver back and forth on which team to support. Without a party, the Clydesdales, or a star musical performance, it’s hard to get excited. However, there’s little else to watch. I’m not encouraged by the Hoosier start to the second half either. It could be just a another long day – not necessarily Super!
P.S. Super lucky win by IU 67-65 on an Armaan Franklin last second shot, despite shooting 23-64 (35.9%), 6-23 from 3, and 15-24 (62.5%) from the free throw line. Trayce Jackson-Davis had an impressive double-double with 17-points and 12-rebounds. Looking at these horrible stats, it really was a miracle victory! We needed a break – but it’s too bad we can’t play Iowa every week.
It’s been quite a transition from blue skies and t-shirts to darkness and a hooded rain coat. I’m also getting up an hour earlier, dealing with the 3-hour time shift from East to West Coast. The TV is again providing background noise as I busy myself with taxes, writing, finances, and phone calls. We met with our home finance representative yesterday with instructions to file more forms and received a delay notification on a closing date with our Florida home. This interferes with a cruise planned for early April, so we’re panicked on establishing a move date and whether or not to cancel these trip plans.
Today, I have to see a notary at the bank, go to the dry cleaners, take my I-Watch in for repair, and have my new front tire checked for a leak. I’ll also take my wife to the grocery store, so I’ll be out and about, further exposed to the dreaded virus. The Miami terminal and our flights home were very crowed, while only eighty-year-olds are eligible for vaccines in Oregon. It will be awhile before we can feel safe, and in the meantime we’re keeping our distance from friends and family. We both feel fine after two weeks in Florida, but a bit depressed by the rainy weather.
As far as sporting entertainment, I was able to watch a live You Tube streaming of my niece’s Team Illinois victory in the Mrs. Hockey tournament championship, going undefeated against seven other national contenders to bring home the hardware. Tonight, it’s I.U. Basketball against Illinois. Hopefully, they’ve been practicing their shooting during the last two idle weeks as opponents have cancelled due to Covid. They need a victory to stay in contention for a tournament berth, but I still don’t have high hopes for their success. The televised game will at least buy me a delay in my night to cook. Superbowl Sunday, I.U. vs. Iowa, and a possible baseball card show are also on my sports menu for the remainder of this week.
Yes, we’re back to the hassles of reality after a couple weeks of paradise. It’s time to face the bills, the boredom, and the bleak forecast. My Florida glow is starting to fade along with the ink in my printer. Important decisions about our move, cruise, and budgeting will need to be made in the next two weeks. I also want to take the time to recognize the 100th anniversary of my parent’s birth (born one day apart), although they are no longer here to celebrate. Thoughts of them are a nice distraction from the decisions that need to be made. It hurts to use my brain again after lazy days on a sunny beach. Here’s to our future, the love of my parents, and hopes for some I.U. basketball wins, as we once again deal with reality!
“Dodgertown” in Vero Beach was closed and extensive renovations are being done by MLB, so the closed I could get was the front iron gates. Our friend grew up there, her dad a pitcher for the 1955 World Champion Brooklyn Dodgers. He set a rookie record for 27 strike outs in two successive games before an injury ended his career. The park’s historical significance also reflects the 1947 signing of Jackie Robinson. Corona also affected visits this year to Cubs/White Sox Spring training in Phoenix and a Cardinals/Rangers exhibition game at the new Globe Life Park in Arlington.
I found myself in front of the TV again last night with the Chiefs and Buccaneers headed to the Super Bowl. I also monitored another IU Basketball loss, this time to Rutgers after the surprising Iowa victory. The game against Michigan State this weekend has already been stomped out by the pandemic, so we’ll have to live with this disappointment for at least a full week before Illinois comes to town. That game will then likely lead to further despair, as tourney chances once again have been sadly derailed.
We returned our rental car to the airport last night only to find a dent in the hood. I remember parking at a Cracker Barrell restaurant the other day under the shade of a coconut tree. Could one have fallen and caused this costly damage or was it like that when we picked it up? It’s just another hassle we’ll have to deal with on this journey. I’ve run the beach path and street in front of our hotel the past two mornings past all the Art Deco hotels in our area. The once heavily congested Ocean Avenue has been shut down to traffic, so the restaurants have all expanded into the streets. It’s now a much more pleasant atmosphere on the beach front if there’s such a thing as a plus-side to the Coronavirus outbreak. Running near the water and in the sun is always a nice distraction from the dreary streets of downtown Portland.
As part of today’s retirement journey, we move on to Vanderbilt Beach and more old friends to see. It was usually the ski slopes where we’d meet years ago, but now it’s the surf. It will certainly be another afternoon of laughs recounting the memories. More fellow Hoosier Snow Birds taking advantage of the sand and sunshine. My last two lunches were at beach bars with friends from Fort Wayne that I hadn’t seen for seven years, while today’s reunion over drinks will be three years for him and sixteen for her. We’ll spend the night in Naples and drive to Miami tomorrow.
My wife can’t bear to leave this morning without one last trip by the house, hoping that the front door is being installed and the roofing tile is completed. We’ve been by every day to check on its progress, still targeting mid-March completion. This will be our last opportunity before we move in. We also leave behind the grandkids until that moment when we become permanent residents. After the first night on South Beach we’ll then drive up to Vero Beach to visit with another Hoosier friend for the day, and back to Miami for the rest of our Florida stay.
I was excited that the I.U. Hoosier basketball team was able to redeem themselves last night with a victory over #4 Iowa. I was at a low point with the team after the Purdue embarrassment last week, and glad that I wouldn’t be able to watch last night for fear of more shame. In fact, I fell asleep at halftime and was shocked by the 81-69 final score. Somehow, the Cream & Crimson were able to overcome a twelve point deficit and win by thirteen. Iowa did not score for eleven minutes, so great defense and some much needed good fortune prevailed. The victory also gives them some tourney credibility that was certainly in doubt last week. Rutgers is the next match-up that I will also miss by being a Florida Snow Bird.
I’ve now completed 4,400 consecutive days of running, another milestone in The Streak that started over twelve years ago. This daily routine has consumed 17% of my life, but it’s hard to remember those times when I wasn’t doing it every day. It’s a meaningful accomplishment, especially when it’s crossed off the daily checklist, and I can sit and write about it. My feet have felt heavy this past week, while my muscles remain stiff from the cold, damp weather. I can’t seem to warm up, so I’m looking forward to two weeks of hot Florida sunshine. I’ll see my son, grandkids, and a few Midwest friends in the process. We’ll also get to see firsthand the progress on our home.
Today is what I like to call the basketball bucket game, although there is no trophy like football, just bragging rights. It’s the first of two IU-PU annual matchups that always stack-up to be the most important games on the schedule every year. There have been 211 meetings in total with the Boilermakers leading the overall series 122-89. Purdue has also won the last seven, so Hoosier pride is on the line. Both teams are currently 3-3 in the BIG, hoping to escape from mediocrity in the conference. Even though tonight’s game is in Bloomington, there’s not much of a home field advantage with limited crowds due to Covid. The Hoosier teams have not been good from the free throw line or any other spot on the court in recent years, so they need to find a way to score. They can win by scoring 70 points or more, with their only loss at that level to Wisconsin in double overtime. A low scoring game with lots of fouls will spell disaster for the Cream & Crimson. Purdue, on the other hand, has just proven they can win in a low scoring battle, beating favored Michigan State 55-54 on the road. They will jam IU efforts to score inside and force us to take the 3, especially with our best outside shooter on the sidelines with an injury. It will probably be ugly!
Fortunately, I have a Flaviar whiskey shipment due to be delivered today. I will need it to calm my nerves, as I text with friends that will be rooting both for and against me. This is the beauty of the rivalry that can only be appreciated with a victory. IU is favored by 3.5 with an over/under of 130. This supports my “Magic of 70” theory. We have a much better chance of winning if we can score 70 points or more in regulation. The teams appear to be evenly matched but according to oddsmakers IU has a 65.2% chance of winning. Purdue won last year 57-49 and 74-62. The year before it was PU 48-46 and 70-55. These pathetic scoring efforts by the Hoosiers will have to end tonight to stop the bleeding. We need buckets of baskets!