I know I’ve written a lot of discouraging words about the Indiana basketball program this year. I’m admittedly so spoiled after years of success, and can never remember a year like this one. Just two weeks ago, I had taken to poetry in an attempt to defuse my emotions. (See Post #848). Tonight I’m eating crow after three consecutive victories. I even called them, “the worst shooting team in recent memory.” After all, they had just lost to both Purdue and Iowa once again and stood a pathetic 4-12 in the BIG Conference. I was frustrated, disappointed and embarrassed, having cursed Romeo Langford and Juwan Morgan for rushing off to the NBA without preforming up to their potential this last year of wearing the Cream & Crimson stripes.

I have to admit that I was mildly hopeful that they would finally rebound against Michigan State and Wisconsin, two schools that had historically proven to be our greatest nemesis. When all was said and done, not only did we beat the Badgers in double overtime, but we also doubled-up on the Spartans. Honestly, the first time we beat “Sparty” in East Lansing, I thought we had turned the corner on a sad season, but instead we fell flat on our faces at home against Iowa. Then it only got worse in blowout losses to Ohio State and Minnesota. At least, when the Boilers and Hawkeyes finally came to town, these were winnable games that turned into really bitter fourth and fifth consecutive defeats. Even though we then suddenly showed signs of greatness and beat two top-ranked teams, I was never confident that I.U. could pull-off a third straight victory at Illinois.

Now, all I want to do is sing the fight song after watching the “daily double.” The I.U. women’s team and Ali Patberg looked stellar in a tourney victory over Minnesota this afternoon. Tonight, the win over Illinois was the men’s team most convincing all-around effort this season. Shooting was a consistent 60% throughout the game! Rob Phinisee showed flashes of Isiah Thomas, while Langford, Morgan, Green and Davis made me proud. Our overall record is now finally over .500 including 7 BIG Ten victories, and remarkably with one more win against Rutgers the Hoosiers might be looking at an NCAA bid. They still have a chance to finish 8th in the conference that was sadly my pessimistic prediction going into the year. The “Glory of Old I.U.” has been temporarily restored.

Indiana, Our Indiana

Indiana’s most recognized fight song, “Indiana, Our Indiana,” was first performed by the IU Band in November, 1912 at a football game against Northwestern. The song has since been played at every Indiana football and basketball game.

Indiana, Our Indiana
Indiana, we’re all for you
We will fight for
the Cream & Crimson,
For the glory of Old IU
Never daunted, we cannot falter
In the battle, we’re tried and true
Indiana, Our Indiana
Indiana, we’re all for you!

Words by Russell P. Harker, Melody taken from “The Viking March”, by Karl L. King

Go Hoosiers!