No. 1 Indiana dominates C. Connecticut St. 100-69

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - No. 1 Indiana had another strong offensive game on Saturday, and it looks as if the Hoosiers can play defense, too.

While Christian Watford scored 21 points and Cody Zeller had 19 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, it was the Hoosiers' suffocating defense that had the starring role in a 100-69 victory over Central Connecticut State.

Indiana is off to its second straight 9-0 start under Tom Crean. It has won 13 straight at Assembly Hall and 27 consecutive non-conference home games.

Coming into the weekend, the matchup looked like an intriguing shootout. After all, Central Connecticut State has one of the most potent scorers in the country in Kyle Vinales and another dangerous option in Matt Hunter.

Instead of a tight one, this one was over in the first half, with Indiana using a full week of preparation to clamp down on the Blue Devils.

Offensively, the Hoosiers were almost flawless, connecting on 22 of 35 shots in the first half and shooting 54.2 percent for the game. They made seven 3-pointers. In their first 22 baskets, 12 were layups or dunks.

Defensively, it was also an impressive show for the improving Hoosiers. Central Connecticut State shot just 33.3 percent and Vinales, the nation's top scorer at 25.9 points per game, was just 3 of 15 from the field and finished with seven points.

Hunter poured in 40 points, matching an Assembly Hall record for a visiting player, but the Blue Devils (4-4) never had a chance against Indiana's comprehensive performance.