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Indiana Basketball vs. Ohio State: Game info, preview, and prediction

By Zacarias Olvera

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Mark Archie Miller of the Indiana Hoosiers gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Mark Archie Miller of the Indiana Hoosiers gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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The Hoosiers look to bounce back from a close home loss against 20th ranked Iowa when the Ohio State Buckeyes come into town Sunday for a 1pm tip off.

Ohio State is coming off a four point win over the lowly Penn State Nittany Lions, who have only managed one win in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes are led by sophomore forward Kaleb Wesson,  who is averaging14.9 points per game, and senior C.J. Jackson, who is averaging 13.0 points a game.

A surprise contributor for the Buckeyes thus far has been true freshman Luther Muhammad, who has provided very solid numbers, averaging 10.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 45% from the three point line. He is coming off a game where he was tied for the leading scorer in the Penn State game with 20 points.

Both teams are very similar, both in style of play, and team makeup.

In the Big Ten, both Ohio State and Indiana rank in the middle of the pack (6-10 range) in points per game, rebounds and assists, while also being led by a dominant frontcourt player, as well as someone on the wing.

Not only are their teams similar, but also their seasons.

Both teams got off to hot starts in non-conference play, even early in the Big Ten, but both have suffered long losing streaks.

For Indiana, it was a seven game slide, and for Ohio State it was a five game losing streak that they have since won three of their last four.

Keys to the Game

Indiana must be able to matchup with the Buckeye big men, brothers Kaleb and Andre Wesson, down low. They provide strength and size mismatches against a smaller Indiana team. The Hoosiers will look to De’Ron Davis and Jake Forrester to play solid defense and rebound the ball against the OSU frontline, especially if Juwan Morgan can’t stay out of foul trouble.

Another key to the game will be Indiana’s ability to play solid defense against the balanced Buckeye team. They currently have six players averaging over seven points on the season.

The Hoosiers will also need to receive strong bench play if they expect to overcome Chris Holtmann’s balanced and versatile team. Look for juniors De’Ron Davis and Devonte Green to be major parts of the IU bench that desperately needs to provide a scoring punch to help alleviate pressure for the starters.

Next. Hoosiers hosting a five-star recruit this weekend. dark

Due to both teams’ recent performances, I will take Indiana to get back to their winning ways on Sunday with a close one over the Buckeyes.

What you need to know

What? Ohio State 15-7 (5-6) at Indiana 13-10 (4-8)
When? Sunday, February 10 – 1:00 pm EST
Where? Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall-Bloomington, IN
TV? CBS
Radio? Indiana Radio Network; Sirius XM 84
All-Time Series? Indiana leads series, 74-54
Prediction? Indiana 66, Ohio State 62

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