Bourbon and Bows: 10 Ways to Cope with Indiana Not Being in the Tournament (And Still Have a Good Time)

Written By: Kathie Chong (@HooHooKathie)

1) Scout potential prospects for IU's next coach (Nate Oats, Alabama; Chris Beard, Texas Tech; Mike Boynton, Oklahoma State; Mark Pope, BYU; Scott Drew, Baylor; etc.).

2) Fantasize about the best ways to spend $10,350,000.

3) Beam with pride at all of the historic backdrops and fantastic venues in our great state (Mackey Arena, Assembly Hall, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Lucas Oil Stadium).

4) Root for all B1G teams (except Purdue).

5) Order all of the food items from TV ad breaks to eat your sorrows.

6) Sample liquors from the thriving Indianapolis distillery scene (our favorite is 1205 Distillery named for the date Prohibition was repealed).

7) Take a sip every time the broadcasters bring up Archie Miller or the fact that IU didn't make the tournament.

8) Brainstorm ways to make Indiana basketball good again (e.g., hire a shooting coach, run an actual offense).

9) Watch "Hoosiers" instead of any game in which Purdue is playing.

10) Imagine how good it will feel when IU makes it back to the big dance next year.