Indiana Edges Notre Dame in Game 1 of Crossroads Classic

Franklin Hits Big Shot in Crunch Time

by Steven Stremming

The ninth edition of the Crossroads Classic got off to a rocking start when the Indiana Hoosiers came back from a late five point deficit to claim a almost improbable 62 to 60 win.

For most of the game, Indiana had ran away and hid at times with leads that were constantly double digit because Notre Dame struggled mightly from the field, especially behind the arc.

Indiana meanwhile had a big first half from Butler graduate and Southport, Indiana product Joey Brunk.

Photo by: Randy Beckett, Excel Sports Publications

Brunk had totaled ten boards and scored eight points at the break as Indiana led 34 to 23 and seemingly cruising for a comfortable win.

Notre Dame struggled in the first half subpar shooting but did turn the ball over only six times.

The second half showed Indiana once again controlling the tempo until running into a cold spell while the Irish went on a scoring run of 12 points to give the Irish a five point lead late.

Cathedral graduate Armaan Franklin buried a three point shot to give the lead back to Indiana.