INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Juwan Morgan scored 19 of his career-high 34 points in the last 8 1/2 minutes Saturday, helping Indiana erase an eight-point deficit and beat No. 18 Notre Dame 80-77 in overtime.
Indiana coach Archie Miller got his biggest win of his first season with the Hoosiers in his first appearance at the Crossroads Classic, an annual doubleheader between the state’s four highest profile teams.
And it came in dramatic fashion.
Morgan scored all of Indiana’s points in an 8-0 run to close regulation and the first four in overtime. He drew a foul on a 6-foot runner with 11.6 seconds remaining but couldn’t complete the three-point play.
Archie Madness! 😱
Juwan Morgan brought buckets to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, converting on several crucial late chances to give @IndianaMBB the comeback victory over Notre Dame: pic.twitter.com/cBMeCfgoOI
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 16, 2017
Instead, the Hoosiers (6-5) grabbed the rebound and got the ball back to Morgan, who dunked for a 78-77 lead with 8.6 seconds to go.
Notre Dame (8-3) had two chances to retake the lead before fouling Devonte Green. After Green made both free throws, Bonzie Colson’s half-court heave to force a second overtime rimmed out.
Colson led the Fighting Irish with 29 points.
BIG PICTURE
Notre Dame: As long as Colson remains productive, the Irish will be tough to beat. But Colson’s supporting cast needs to play better and be more consistent.
Indiana: Morgan’s emerging presence has taken the Hoosiers in a different direction. He didn’t just score, he dominated the final minutes. Morgan was 13 of 17 from the field and had 11 rebounds. While Miller certainly wants to see more from Morgan’s teammates, he should be content to ride with the hot hand for now.
BUZZER BUSTED
The Hoosiers trailed 31-25 at halftime, and it was almost a little closer. Robert Johnson connected from 55 feet away, but he didn’t get it off in time. And it wasn’t even close enough for a replay review. The crowd went wild anyway.
Johnson had 20 points and six rebounds.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame: Plays its first home game in 14 days when Dartmouth visits Tuesday.
Indiana: Hosts Fort Wayne on Monday night, trying to avenge last season’s upset.
