Indiana basketball says goodbye to another senior class when they welcome in Rutgers on Sunday to close out the regular season.
After a shocking turn of events, Indiana basketball has fans excited again.
With stunning victories over Wisconsin and completing the season sweep of Michigan State, and a dominating and convincing win over Illinois, Indiana is back in the Tournament talk.
Now turning their attention to their regular season finale, and senior day, the Hoosiers welcome Rutgers to Bloomington. This game should be a win after these past few wins right? Well, lets look at how they stack up against Rutgers.
Last time they played was at the end of January when Rutgers embarrassed Indiana late. After blowing a large first half lead, the Hoosiers lost 66-58.
Romeo Langford did have a solid game though, putting up 20 points, six boards, and three steals. Juwan Morgan added 15 points. The rest of the team? They combined for just 23 points on 9-of-27 shooting. In that game though, both De’Ron Davis and Devonte Green were out due to injuries, both crucial members of the rotation.
The Scarlet Knights were led by Geo Baker who had a team-high 15 points, including going 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Despite his good year, in his last two games he has played 71 minutes, scoring just nine total points while shooting 3-for-19 from the field and 2-for-11 from three.
Keys to the Game
So what needs to happen this time around for Indiana to maintain a lead and secure a win?
Better all around team play. Two players showed up last game at Rutgers and while they are the two best, this has to be a team effort. With the improved play of the role players as of late, shown by their 16.4 points per game from the bench over the last three games, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Also, the Hoosier were dominated by Rutgers big man Eugene Omoruyi last game who had a double-double, dropping 14 points and 10 rebounds. With De’Ron Davis back healthy, look for Omooruyi to be held in check.
Indiana needs to continue to ride this momentum and head into the tournament on a big four game winning streak.
What you need to know
What? Rutgers 14-15 (7-12) vs Indiana 16-14 (7-12)
When? Sunday, March 10 – 12:00 pm EST
Where? Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall – Bloomington, Indiana
TV? BTN
Radio? Indiana Radio Network
All-Time series? Indiana leads series, 7-1
Prediction? Indiana 77, Rutgers 64