Beware the Musketeers!

IU faced a tougher test last night, but Eric Gordon has simply been too awesome for Indiana to change the way it's been playing. Illinois State went down 70-57, but didn't look bad doing it.

I noted in my last post the Xavier (or Kent St.) would be one of the tougher tests that IU will face this season. And the possibility of Indiana squaring off against a veteran backcourt- half of which may take this game personally (former Sampson point guard Drew Lavender)- without Ratliff or Bassett on hand is what I would've called a recipe for an upset.

Gordon's been awesome, and Crawford's been posting good numbers too, but they are both freshmen and shooting guards. Leading Rebounder & swingman Jamarcus Ellis is a nice passer, but hasn't shown a good outside shooting touch so far. Already IU hasn't been able to punish the opposition inside as DJ White and DeAndre Thomas are doing fine, but when IU needs bailing out, it's been all Eric Gordon, all the time this season. And Gordon played 39 minutes last night!

Fatigue's got to be a factor for Eric, and I think the key to beating Xavier tonight is going to be by deliberately attacking their frontcourt with DJ & DeAndre. If Bassett is playing, this will be easier. If not... Watch out.