We’re now down to the “Do or Done” portion of the 21-22 season. I would use the phrase, “Do or Die,” but that’s a bit radical for basketball. Four games remained before the BIG tournament and a win in the  critical first road game against Ohio State might have sealed our ticket to the Big Dance. Instead, it made another mockery out of the “Rule of Sixty.” 

I.U. had already beaten the Buckeyes in Bloomington, but the selection committee is looking for road victories. Only Nebraska and Maryland at the bottom of the conference were such accommodating victims. A win at Value City Arena might have turned some heads, but Ohio State was up by 5 at the half. I.U. was without point guard depth due to injuries to Trey Galloway, Khristian Lander, and Rob Phinisee injuries. Additionally, Xavier Johnson got into foul trouble, but Tamar Bates hit a triple with 5:09 remaining to make it 59-55. This was after the Buckeyes had gone up by 11 at the 13:32 mark. The Hoosiers went on a 20-5 run and looked like they might grab victory from the jaws of defeat. They passed the magical sixty level on a Race Thompson jumper with only 3:29 remaining, in command at 61-57. The lead stayed at four as just under a minute remained, but missed opportunities and free throws allowed E.J. Liddell to tie it at 63 on a dunk with :06 left. Trayce Jackson Davis had all but disappeared and the game was in the balance of poor outside shooting, or no shot at all as was the case when the game went to overtime. 

In OT it was all Ohio State, as the Hoosiers only managed 6-points, while the Buckeyes sealed victory with 8 free throws at 80-69. If a game goes to overtime, the “Rule of 60” no longer applies, and it certainly didn’t get us a win in this one. Now, three straight victories over Maryland, Minnesota, and Rutgers are imperative. With five consecutive losses, it was DO or DONE, as far as NCAA hopes are concerned. Otherwise, it’s the NIT. 

Maryland was the end of the losing streak, but it didn’t come easy. Once again, Lander, Galloway and Phinisee were out of action and it was all up to Xavier Johnson to lead the team from the point. The Hoosiers jumped out to a commanding 10-point bulge with  4:49 on the first half clock, but nearly squandered it by halftime. This inconsistent pattern continues to be a frustrating standard practice. “X” only managed four points before foul trouble put him on the bench. Fortunately, he got 20 more in the second half, including the magical sixtieth on a free throw with 6:53 to go and an 8-point lead. With good Hoosier defense, the Terrapins finally got to 60 with less than a minute remaining and lost 74-64. Next up are the struggling Golden Gophers.