Defense, defense, defense. Coaches often shout it, reminding their players to not get sidetracked. Fans often chant it, encouraging their team to focus on the most overlooked part of the game. On Sunday against Butler, IU got the message and rode an impressive defensive performance to a 75-59 victory.

The Butler Bulldogs reached the national championship game for the last two years based on defense and toughness. They did not have a flashy offense and never looked to start a shootout. Those same principles apply to Brad Steven's team this year. Tom Crean has preached the same principles, even saying before the season that defense had been the focus of workouts.

Cody Zeller immediately helped, providing a legitimate post presence on both ends. However, the Hoosier's success defending has been a team effort. It ranges from the starters to a player like Tom Pritchard, who is succeeding in a new role. A belief in defense first has baffled IU opponents and led to points in transition. The Hoosiers want to push the ball with fast players like Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, and Will Sheehey often able to beat their defender down the court.

"I'm truly blown away by our defensive effort," said Crean. "To have a team have 74 deflections, I've never been apart of a team as an assistant or head coach that's had that."

Deflection seems to be the word of the year for Crean and the Hoosiers. It is one of his favorite statistics even though it is not considered an official statistic. Most teams keep track of deflections, but may have their own definition of the term.

For Crean, a deflection is shot clock violation, tip, blocked shot, steal, loose ball, and essentially any other kind of turnover. Crean stressed that rebounds do not count as deflections. Obviously, a deflection encompasses everything good a player on defense can accomplish.

The game went beyond effort on the defensive side. Both IU and Butler prepared for a physical battle with state pride on the line.

"We knew they were going to play physical, it's an in state rivalry game, you know, so it's always going to be like that," said Jordan Hulls.

From tipoff until the final seconds, Hoosiers and Bulldogs were sprawled across the floor constantly fighting for possession.

Cody Zeller said, "[IU] knew coming in that is was going to be a street fight."

The Hoosiers understood that Butler would present a challenge they had yet to see. The Bulldogs have had incredible success playing a similar brand of basketball and would be looking to out hustle IU throughout the game. In the end, the Hoosiers were simply too much and are now looking ahead to their biggest test of the season traveling to NC State.