Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: Big Ten Tournament preview

By Jonathan Rothschild

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - JANUARY 25: Archie Miller the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers gives instructions to his team against the Michigan Wolverines at Assembly Hall on January 25, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - JANUARY 25: Archie Miller the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers gives instructions to his team against the Michigan Wolverines at Assembly Hall on January 25, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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oEAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 17: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball while defended by Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Breslin Center on February 17, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
oEAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 17: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball while defended by Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Breslin Center on February 17, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Second Round

The Hoosiers come into Thursday red hot, coming off tough wins against Michigan State and Wisconsin and then showing their worth with 18 and 16 point victories over Illinois and Rutgers respectively.

The last time Indiana matched up with Ohio State was at Assembly Hall on February 10 in a game in which the Hoosiers fell 55-52. This was an unfortunate loss as the Buckeyes hit two three pointers with the shot clock running down, down the stretch.

However, this is a different Indiana team than a month ago. They are playing well and with confidence. The offense has been free flowing recently, as opposed to the 21 point first half that IU had last time out versus the Buckeyes.

After a three game suspension, Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson will return to action against the Hoosiers.

Indiana has to shut down the tandem of Kaleb and Andre Wesson in the post – combining for 25 points and eight rebounds in their first matchup – with De’Ron Davis needing to take a big role on Thursday. The Hoosiers also have to watch C.J Jackson from behind the arc where he’s shooting it over 38 percent from deep.

If Indiana can control the glass and tempo of the game, they can win against Ohio State.

Look out for senior Juwan Morgan to have another big game with the entire team contributing lately.

If Indiana gets a win over Ohio State, this may be enough to make the NCAA tournament.

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