by Terry Hutchens, USA TODAY Sports

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – There was clearly something different about the look to Indiana senior forward Christian Watford Friday night against Bryant.

And this had a lot more to do with his play than the fact he was wearing No. 32 in honor of injured teammate Derek Elston.

Watford looked more physical, especially on the defensive boards. Watford scored 15 points and pulled down a career-high 15 rebounds as No. 1 Indiana opened the season with an easy 97-54 victory over Bryant.

Indiana (1-0) will be back in action Monday night at Assembly Hall against North Dakota State.

Watford wasn’t the only Indiana player to record a double-double either. Preseason All-American Cody Zeller had 18 points and 10 rebounds, his sixth career double-double. His first came in his first collegiate game last season against Stony Brook.

IU had five players score in double figures. Jeremy Hollowell had 12 while Yogi Ferrell and Will Sheehey each scored 10.

Ferrell had a particularly impressive line in his first collegiate game. Along with his 10 points, he had seven assists and five rebounds.

Terry Hutchens writes for the Indianapolis Star.

… [For more on Indiana cruises; Crean gets new contract, click here.]