College basketball scores: Freshman Thomas Bryant gives Indiana a new dimension

Tom Crean entered the offseason knowing Indiana had a major problem and only one realistic way to fix it.

The Hoosiers enjoyed a successful campaign by any reasonable expectation in 2014-15, improving from middling 17-15 team to one that hit 20 wins and earned a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The offense was incredible, jumping from No. 127 to No. 9 in efficiency thanks to the sterling backcourt play of Yogi Ferrell and James Blackmon Jr. There was only one problem: Indiana couldn’t defend at all, primarily because it lacked a physical presence at the rim.

Five-star big man Thomas Bryant dragged out his recruitment through the spring, finally announcing his decision two weeks after IU’s season was ended by Wichita State in the round of 64. Bryant considered Syracuse, Kentucky and Missouri, but eventually picked Indiana. Crean had not only come through with one of the most touted recruits of his career, but also one who could potentially fill his team’s biggest need from day one.

It’s still early, but the initial returns on Bryant couldn’t be more promising. The freshman stole the show on Wednesday as Indiana cruised past Creighton 86-65, finishing with 17 points (on 7-of-10 shooting), seven rebounds and four blocks as the Hoosiers improved to 3-0.

Bryant showed impressive ability to finish inside, a developing post game and even hit a three-pointer. He’s also out here putting his own spin on tired cliches.

Bryant’s effort on the offensive end stood out, but it’s his defense that could really make a difference for Indiana.

Indiana had one biggest splits between offensive and defensive efficiency in the country last season, finishing No. 214 in defense according to KenPom. Bryant is uniquely equipped on that end at 6’10, 245 pounds and blessed with a ridiculous 7’5 wingspan. He’s a gym lion with a pterodactyl’s reach.

Crean is bringing along Bryant slowly, choosing to start Max Bielfeldt -- a graduate senior with Big Ten experience at Michigan -- alongside him rather than going four-out like he did last year. If Bryant keeps playing like this, though, Crean will have the opportunity to take Bielfeldt off the floor in favor of another shooter like Collin Hartman or Nick Zeisloft or a superior athlete like Robert Johnson.

Blackmon and Ferrell were terrific against Creighton, too, combining for 34 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Indiana already knew it had one of the best backcourts in the country. If Bryant keeps playing like this, merely winning 20 games and reaching the NCAA Tournament won’t be considered a success this time around.

Mississippi State was a five-point favorite against Miami on Thursday. The Hurricanes responded by dropping a 105-79 beatdown on Malik Newman and company as seven players finished in double figures. It was the most prolific offensive outing for Miami in 27 years.

Also bad for the SEC: previously winless George Mason knocked off Ole Miss 68-62. Vanderbilt helped the conference avoid a nightmare day by outlasting Stony Brook in overtime, 79-72, despite Seawolves senior star Jameel Warney finishing with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Big East wasn’t much better. Creighton wasn’t the only team to get walloped, as Iowa wrecked Marquette 89-61. That wasn’t even the worst loss of the night for the conference: that dubious honor goes to Seton Hall, who fell to Long Beach State 80-77.

The Big East *also* narrowly avoided a bad loss when St. John’s edged Rutgers 61-59 after trailing by 16 earlier in the game.

Kentucky has scored 239 points in three games. Butler has now scored 237 points in just two games.

After dropping 144 points on The Citadel in their opener, Butler stacked 93 points on Missouri State on Thursday. Andrew Chrabascz and Kelan Martin each scored 18 for the Bulldogs, and Kellen Dunham added 11 points in the win.

NC State transfer and former McDonald’s All-American Tyler Lewis made his Butler debut, finishing with nine points and 10 assists in 25 minutes.

That burst, man.

Right after giving up 144 to Butler. College basketball is weird.