Over the last week, we’ve heard a lot of analysts talking about how much Kelvin Sampson’s latest cheating saga would distract his team. But now, after impressive statement wins over Michigan State and Purdue, it appears that’s not the case. This Indiana team is capable of playing through it. And not only playing, but playing really well. With a win over Purdue last night, Indiana now sits tied atop the Big Ten standings.

I’ll be honest. If the Hoosiers weren’t near the top of the Big Ten, I wouldn’t pay any attention to the conference. But this team, with its rich history and two elite prospects in Eric Gordon and DJ White, is fun to watch this season. Despite Kelvin Sampson’s never-ending phonecalls (and soon to be suspension?), Indiana has what it takes for a lengthy stay in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

After the game, reports surfaced that Sampson is expected to be suspended and then fired by Indiana. While it’s easy to understand why Indiana would be quick to oust Sampson, are we forgetting that they put up with Coach Bob Knight’s negative PR for nearly three decades? This program is storied, but don’t forget that it’s never been squeaky-clean.

So, despite having a team completely capable of a Final Four run (yeah, I said it), there will probably be a new coach in Bloomington sooner than later. In the dying seconds of the win over the Boilermakers, the Indiana student section began singing “Nah nah nah nah, hey! Hey! Hey! Goooodbye!” Not only was that son directed towards Purdue, but Sampson as well.