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Media Relations

'Haunted Hall of Hoops'

More than 1,800 fans -- mostly children in Halloween costumes -- invaded Assembly Hall last Saturday afternoon as Indiana University's Tom Crean and his Hoosier basketball team, continuing the process of restoring one of the premier programs in NCAA history, looked to bond with a new generation of IU fans.

For Crean, Saturday's 'Haunted Hall of Hoops', the second edition of an event he introduced a year ago, was more about bonding with a new generation of Hoosier fans than worrying about how his team would play in a 25-minute scrimmage.

"Today this is an opportunity to get people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to come any other time during the season into Assembly Hall, and that is what it is all about," said Crean. "It is good for everybody to see just how young we are. We have a lot of very young guys who are getting a lot better, but there is a lot of room for growth."

The day started off with the 16 members of the IU basketball team signing autographs, taking pictures and passing out candy in the lobbies outside of Branch McCracken court. With music blaring and games available to keep the youngsters entertained, the Hoosiers played Halloween party hosts for about an hour.

"It's always fun to get an opportunity to bond with the fans," said freshman Bobby Capobianco. "Indiana has great fans, and this is just another way to give back."

The team played a 25-minute scrimmage but was limited to six players per squad as senior Devan Dumes, junior Jeremiah Rivers, junior Brett Finkelmeier and sophomore Matt Roth all sat out nursing injuries. Following the workout, the team led those in costume for a parade on the floor and posed for group and individual pictures afterward.

The Cream team defeated the Crimson squad, 48-43. Capobianco had 15 points and freshman Christian Watford added 12 for the victors. Sophomore Verdell Jones III and freshman Jordan Hulls each added 11 for the Crimson squad.

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