Indiana Faces Ohio State in Crucial Big Ten Showdown

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Indiana seeks its second road win of the season tonight as it takes on Ohio State in a pivotal Big Ten matchup at the Schottenstein Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FOX.

The Hoosiers (10-7, 2-4 Big Ten) are reeling after back-to-back blowout losses, including a 25-point defeat to Illinois that prompted fans to boo the team and chant for head coach Mike Woodson‘s dismissal. Indiana’s season, which showed promise during a five-game winning streak in December, now hangs in the balance as it embarks on a grueling stretch of four road games in its next five contests.

Ohio State (10-7, 2-4 Big Ten) is equally desperate for a win after dropping three of its last four games, including two consecutive losses at home. The Buckeyes, led by junior point guard Bruce Thornton, who averages 17.4 points per game, are looking to protect their home court and stay in contention for an NCAA tournament bid.

“We need to stack wins now,” said Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler. “Every game is critical, especially at home.”

Indiana will be without star forward Malik Reneau, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Reneau, the team’s leading scorer (14.1 points per game), has missed the last four games, leaving a significant void in the Hoosiers’ offense. Without him, Indiana’s already struggling offense, ranked 79th in adjusted efficiency, faces an uphill battle against Ohio State’s stout defense, which ranks 29th nationally.

The Buckeyes have been strong defensively, holding opponents to 71.1 points per game and a 39.4% field goal percentage. Their offense, led by Thornton and freshman guard John Mobley Jr., averages 80.4 points per game and ranks 43rd in field goal percentage.

Indiana’s struggles from beyond the arc (31.4% on 3-pointers, 331st nationally) could prove costly against an Ohio State team that shoots 37.4% from deep. The Hoosiers will rely heavily on center Oumar Ballo, who averages a double-double this season, to control the paint and keep them competitive.

“We have to bring intensity and focus,” said Woodson. “This is a must-win for us.”

According to KenPom projections, Ohio State is favored by seven points, with Indiana given a 25% chance to win. The Buckeyes have covered the spread in 22 of their last 36 games, adding to the challenge for the struggling Hoosiers.

With both teams fighting to stay afloat in the Big Ten standings, tonight’s game could be a turning point for either program. For Indiana, a loss could further derail its season, while Ohio State aims to build momentum ahead of a tough road trip to Purdue next week.