BLOOMINGTON — There was every reason for Kel’el Ware to sit down.
After missing IU’s past two games with a right ankle injury, Ware was questionable again for IU’s matchup with Iowa on Tuesday. Ware returned to the lineup and had an emphatic grip on the game. He controlled the interior on both ends and was the primary reason Indiana led by as many as 17 points in the first half against the Hawkeyes.
But with 7:40 left in the second half, Ware walked away grimacing after posterizing Iowa center Owen Freeman through contact. Clearly in pain, Ware stayed in the game after making his and-one free throw. Less than two minutes later, Ware hobbled around the court grabbing his left leg when he was fouled chasing after an offensive rebound.
Ware could’ve exited the game after either of those instances. In a season that doesn’t feel NCAA tournament-bound, the projected first-round NBA draft pick has the most to lose. But he played through his pain and led Indiana to a 74-68 win over Iowa.
Doyel:Anthony Leal’s IU dream had already come true. Then came Tuesday night and this was better