Indiana Basketball: 5 must-win games for the Hoosiers

vs Wisconsin – March 7th

The game with the Badgers is the last game of the regular season and just like Illinois, it is a game against a team that could be on the bubble. The Badgers are in their first year without Ethan Happ and will need to count on shooting more than ever. That could be good news for the Hoosiers as they haven’t been the best shooting team in the past couple of years.

This game could also be the difference between getting a bye in the Big Ten tournament and playing the first day. The Hoosiers hope to not be in that position but it is very possible that is the scenario when these two teams play.

The other big thing is carrying momentum into the tournament. Teams playing well heading into the tournament have pulled off upsets and even won the whole thing in the past and that can not be overstated. Backing into the tournament is not something any team wants to do especially one that may be on the bubble.

While the Purdue game we talked about earlier probably won’t kill their season, this is a game the Hoosiers have to win. They need to win the home games against the middle of the pack in the Big Ten and they need to be playing well at the end of the year.

The committee likes to say they don’t pay attention to how you are playing at the end of the season but it has to be on their mind. WIn at home against Wisconsin and do well in the tournament and they should be dancing.