3 reasons Indiana State beat Missouri State to open Missouri Valley Conference Tournament

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ST. LOUIS — Indiana State defeated Missouri State 75-59 in the second round of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Here are three reasons why the Sycamores (27-5) got it done Friday at Enterprise Arena in St. Louis:

Robbie Avila’s presence even amid early struggles

Every Indiana State game brings a similar plan for the opponent: Do whatever they can to limit Robbie Avila, known by some as the college mid-major version of Nikola Jokic.

This game, the Bears had the right matchup in theory with three key players standing 6-foot-8 or taller and with clear athletic advantages on the Indiana State star. And they showed that by limiting him to just eight points in the first half on 2-of-7 shooting, with a couple of highlight-reel swats at the rim.

But what has invited the Jokic comparisons is Avila’s passing and court vision, and he worked that strength all game long. In the first half, it only led the Sycamores to 5-of-14 shooting on 3-point attempts. The numbers didn’t get crazy in the second half, but Avila was able to zip some perfect passes for 3-pointers that ultimately became too much for a team of Missouri State’s physical make-up to answer.

Avila finished with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. It was not one of his banner performances on paper, but his ability to dictate the defensive personnel and game plan and find teammates for enough answers was still a huge part of the winning formula.

Suffocating defense early

Without the usual shot making that has powered the No. 1 efficiency offense in the country this season, the Sycamores had to lean more into the other end of the court to keep the Bears at bay. It was an ongoing challenge with the size and numbers Missouri State had inside, but Indiana State countered in the first half by taking away the lanes for them to get the ball inside.

Guards Julian Larry and Ryan Conwell applied suffocating pressure to the Missouri State guards, forcing the ball to whip around the perimeter for 3’s that wouldn’t fall, as well as a couple…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-reasons-indiana-state-beat-201314714.html

Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-03-08 20:13:14

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