Pat Lovell Photography

I’ve followed the Indiana Hoosiers since the late 80′s, I’ve seen some great teams and unfortunately, I’ve seen a team that last to a Division II school. The roller coaster ride is about to get very fun. Indiana head coach Tom Crean has put together a team that will be remembered for many years to come. The 2012-13 Indiana Hoosiers made a very big statement last night by dominating a very good North Carolina team. The biggest statement the Hoosiers made for future opponents, bring your running shoes and you better be in top physical condition because you are going to run…the entire game.

[Indiana Hoosier guard Kevin "Yogi" Farrell runs up court against the Tar Heels]

I can’t remember a Hoosier team that ran up and down the court, at full speed, for the entire game. The intensity and speed they played was very impressive and for a photographer, it challenges you to keep up with the game. The offense was fast, sharp and played tight, no matter which five players were on the court. Defensively, they didn’t give the Tar Heels any time to set up plays, the pressure was intense and they banged the boards on both sides of the court. I really enjoyed shooting the game last night.

[North Carolina head coach Roy Williams and Indiana head coach Tom Crean shake hands before the game]

Every possession was played with high intensity and even when North Carolina was down by 30 points, they played as if it was a two point game. North Carolina didn’t give up, they played hard for 40 minutes. The Hoosiers didn’t let up either, other than giving some bench players additional playing time, the starters all played up until the final minutes of the game. The intensity remained until the end but, you could see the Hoosiers playing more relaxed with the big lead, something they haven’t had the privilege of doing for a few years.

[Indiana Hoosiers forward Cody Zeller (40) grabs the ball away from North Carolina Tar Heels guard Leslie McDonald (2)]

[Indiana Hoosiers guard Victor Oladipo (4) goes up strong to the basket against the Tar Heels]

[ Indiana Hoosiers guard Remy Abell (23) goes strong to the basket against the North Carolina Tar Heels]

[Indiana Hoosiers guard Victor Oladipo (4) and North Carolina Tar Heels guard Reggie Bullock (35) scramble for a loose ball]

[Indiana Hoosiers fans get fired up for the ESPN cameraman during the game against North Carolina]

Something else that really stood out in the game against North Carolina was the fans. Hoosier fans have been great over the years and Indiana has one of the largest student sections in the NCAA but, the game last night was the loudest game I’ve heard at Assembly Hall. I had ear plugs in my ears and it was still very loud. I’m glad Indiana fans have something to be proud of and to cheer for, it has been long overdue and the staff at Assembly Hall is preparing to make room to hang a sixth banner in the Hall.

To view more photos from the Indiana Hoosiers and North Carolina Tar Heels, check out the gallery below.