The 12-2 Ohio State Buckeyes hit the road to square off with the 10-4 Indiana Hoosiers. Tip-off is set for 8:00 pm ET on Fox, live from Assembly Hall. This will be the second Big Ten road game of the year for the Buckeyes, their last being a tough road loss to Penn State. This will be an important game to prove they can get the job done away from home, a massive issue last season and big factor in their poor finish. 

A Look at the Hoosiers:

The Hoosiers are 10-4 overall and come in with a 2-1 record in conference play. That first loss actually came this past Wednesday when they fell to Nebraska by 16.

Projected Starters:

Malik Reneau – F

Mackenzie Mgbako – F

Kel’el Ware – C

Trey Galloway – G

Xavier Johnson – G

The Hoosiers are led by Head Coach Mike Woodson, who has posted a record of 44-26 since taking over in 2021.

As for the offense, that unit is led in scoring by Malik Reneau. He is averaging 16.1 points per game to go with 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He has made a big jump for Woodson in his Sophomore season. Tallying 10+ points in 13 total games this season.

Kel’el Ware has been a nice transfer addition for the Hoosiers from Oregon. He leads the team in both rebounds and blocks per game. Adding value on both ends of the court. Another nice piece of this Hoosier offense is Mackenzie Mgbako, who actually chose Indiana over Ohio State. He has done well for a freshmen giving the team 9.7 points per game.

They will look to get back on track in conference play with a home win.

A Look at the Buckeyes:

Sitting at 12-2 and coming off a valiant win over a stingy Rutgers team, the Buckeyes need to keep the momentum rolling. A big game on the road, for a chance at the best start in Holtmann’s tenure, would be the way to do just that.

Projected Starters:

Bruce Thornton – G

Roddy Gayle – G

Jamison Battle – F

Evan Mahaffey – G

Felix Okpara – C

The Buckeyes survived a hard fought contest against the tough Scarlet Knights. A collective effort was what it took to get the job done.

However, leading the team in point and coming off a 24-point performance, is Bruce Thornton at 17.4 per game. Tied for 2nd are Battle and Gayle at 14.9, Battle is also coming off a big game where he scored 22 points and was prolific from beyond the arc.

It is evident that Gayle and Thornton have made significant leaps in execution and confidence. Their willingness to drive, post up, distribute, and shoot from anywhere has created a dangerous group. Even Okpara, whose offensive presence hasn’t been felt, has continually crashed the glass and been a shot blocker. This development points to promising futures for the talented freshman class and this team as whole.

They will need to pull together collectively on both ends to get the job done in the brutal environment that is Assembly Hall.

How It Shakes Out:

This will be the 199th meeting between these two historic programs. IU has a commanding 110-88 lead, but the Buckeyes have controlled the series of late, winning 6 of 9. This is also a chance for Holtmann to notch his 250th career win.

I like the Buckeyes’ chances to get things done if they can limit turnovers and control the glass. I believe the Buckeyes secure victory #13 in a tight game.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 74, Indiana 68

featured image: Trevor Ruszkowski, USA Today Sports