Juwan Morgan Records First IU Triple Double Since Steve Downing in 1971

It was a mark that preceded Bob Knight at Indiana.  It also preceded Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Steve Downing’s 1971 triple double at Indiana had stood the test of time.

On February 23, 1971, Downing scored 28 points, and grabbed 17 rebounds and added 10 blocks to record the first ever triple double in IU basketball history.  The Hoosiers went on to beat Michigan on that day 88-79 at the “New Fieldhouse” (now known as the Gladstein Fieldhouse).

Nearly 48 years later, Juwan Morgan became the second Hoosier to record the statistical feat with a symmetrical 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over Jacksonville.

Morgan, who averages more than 16 points per game, needed a basket to finish off the unusual accomplishment involving double figures in three statistical categories.  He got it on an inbound play that was, according to head coach Archie Miller, designed for him during the under eight minute media timeout.

Miller discussed Morgan’s big night after the game:

“I think that’s an incredible accomplishment to do that. At Indiana, so few people have done it. You have to be an unbelievable, complete guy to be able to be that type of efficiency. Took five shots in the game, you know what I mean? You can tell he completely dominated with his unselfish play.

It was good for him to be able to play the way he did tonight. He made us better.”

The senior co-captain checked out of the game shortly after his 10th point to a thunderous applause.

You get quite the ovation after recording just the second triple-double (10, 10 & 10) in @IndianaMBB history.

Congrats, @juwanmorgan! pic.twitter.com/1fvfUd6CkN

— Indiana On BTN (@IndianaOnBTN) December 23, 2018

The Waynesville, Missouri native had previously grabbed his 10th rebound at the 10:36 mark of the second half, and his 10th assist at the 9:51 mark.  Morgan’s previous career high in assists was five.  He also added three blocks and two steals and made all five of his shots from the field.

After the game, Morgan commented on his accomplishment:

“It means a lot. A triple-double is very hard to come by. You don’t see too many people do that. This is the second one in school history. I really don’t know what to say.”

Morgan joins elite company with former IU Associate Athletic Director Downing, who was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 1973 after leading the Hoosiers to the Final Four.  Downing averaged 20.1 points and 10.6 rebounds in 1973.  He averaged 15.1 rebounds in 1972, the second best mark in IU history for a season.

Downing ranks fifth in career rebounds at IU with 889 and played professional basketball for two years with the Boston Celtics.

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