Iowa vs. Indiana could be decided by point guard play
Like any game between two conference contenders, Iowa’s showdown at Indiana on Thursday is filled with intriguing storylines and key matchups.
One of the marquee matchups is at point guard between Indiana senior Yogi Ferrell and Iowa’s dynamic duo of seniors Mike Gesell and Anthony Clemmons.
The 6-foot Ferrell is the most celebrated of the three, and the most talented.
But he will be up against a one-two punch that few teams have been able to match this season.
Maryland handed No. 4 Iowa it’s only Big Ten loss this season, but did so without star point guard Melo Trimble playing well. He struggled to get open looks, making just 2-of-7 field-goal attempts while being hounded mostly by Clemmons on defense.
The matchup between Clemmons and Ferrell when Indiana is on offense could go a long way in determining the outcome of Thursday’s game which will tipoff at 8:05 p.m. on ESPN. It’ll feature arguably the Big Ten’s best scoring point guard against arguably the top perimeter defender in the conference this season.
Gesell is Iowa’s starting point guard, while Clemmons is technically considered a shooting guard. But in reality, Gesell and Clemmons playing together is like having two point guards on the floor, especially on defense. They also are substituted for each other at point guard, so it’s extremely rare when at least one of them is not running the offense and stopping the point of attack on defense.
Iowa’s ability to contain the lightning quick Ferrell in transition could have a big impact on the game because both teams will want to push the pace.
“You want to get back,” Clemmons said. “You want to stay with your defensive principles.
“With Ferrell, he’s a guy that gets everyone going.”
Indiana and Iowa both average over 80 points per game and are more comfortable playing fast than slow.
It’s a game in which guards could flourish.
Ferrell leads Indiana in scoring (17.3), assists (5.8) and steals (1.25). He is a big reason why the Hoosiers have stayed in the thick of the Big Ten race despite losing guard James Blackmon Jr., to a season-ending knee injury in late December.
“Yogi is as tough a cover as there is out there, because he comes at you 100 miles an hour and he pulls up, shoots the three right in your face or he goes by you, and equally gifted at scoring the ball or finding other people,” said Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. “So he really puts pressure on all five guys every possession. And I think his decision making this year has been really good. He views himself as an NBA player. He contemplated coming out last year and came back and wanted to make the most of it, and he’s done that.”
Clemmons has shined on defense throughout the season, but Gesell is no slouch, either, as McCaffery reminded the media on Tuesday when asked how much of Iowa’s success on defense starts with Clemmons.
“He’s been terrific, as well, but I think Mike gets underestimated in terms of his ability to defend the point of attack,” McCaffery said. “I think when you look at Mike and Anthony, they’re able to do that.”
The 6-2 Clemmons relishes the chance to defend one of the Big Ten’s top players. Clemmons already has shutdown Michigan State sharpshooter Bryn Forbes in two games season this season, in addition to holding Trimble to just two made baskets.
“I know I’m able to guard just about anybody I’m put against,” Clemmons said. “I’m pretty confident.”