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Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Penn State – key storyline, injury report, how to watch

Previewing Indiana basketball vs Penn State by looking at storylines, injuries, how to watch and much more.

Published

4 hours ago

February 26, 2025

Previewing Indiana basketball vs Penn State by looking at storylines, injuries, how to watch and much more. (Syndication: Pocono Record)

Indiana basketball returns to action tonight as they host Big Ten opponent Penn State. The Hoosiers are coming off a massive win over in-state rival Purdue as they snapped a four game home losing streak against them in a 15-point win on Sunday.

The Nittany Lions enter the game with a record of 15-13 (5-12 Big Ten) under second-year head coach Mike Rhoades. Penn State has won two-straight games after losing their previous seven. PSU has five players averaging at least double-figures , led by 13.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game from fifth-year senior guard Ace Baldwin Jr., the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Junior forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser leads the team in rebounding at 6.2 per contest to go along with 12.9 points.

Tipoff is set for 8:30 pm on BTN.

Below is the full preview.

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

Does Mike Woodson roll with the same lineup from Purdue?

Mike Woodson shocked everyone when the starting lineup was announced ahead of the Hoosiers’ win over Purdue. Woodson elected to move Mackenzie Mgbako and Oumar Ballo to the bench with Myles Rice, Trey Galloway, Anthony Leal, Luke Goode, and Malik Reneau starting.

The changes worked well as Indiana used a massive run to open the second half en route to a comfortable win over their rivals.

While going with the same rotation might seem like the obvious choice, Mackenzie Mgbako and Oumar Ballo both scored 20 points in the Hoosiers’ earlier win over Penn State.

Will Mike Woodson ride the unit that beat Purdue, or rely on the pair that helped them beat Penn State earlier this season?

Series History

The Hoosiers have prevailed in 44-of-61 matchups played between the two programs, including a 61-59 result in the second round of the 2024 Big Ten Championships.

Indiana took down Penn State earlier this season at the Palestra 77-71. In the win Oumar Ballo had 25 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks for Indiana basketball. Mackenzie Mgbako added 2o points in the win.

Indiana basketball Injury Updates

Gabe Cupps: Indiana basketball sophomore guard Gabe Cupps underwent a successful surgery to treat a preexisting, nagging injury to his lower body. He is out for the season.

Jakai Newton: The sophomore has missed multiple games this season. He is expected to be out.

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (16-11) (7-9) vs Penn State (15-13) (5-12)

When?:Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 • 8:30 p.m. ET

Where?: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (17,222) • Bloomington, Ind.

TV: Big Ten Network (Kevin Kugler, LaPhonso Ellis)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball opened as a 6.5-point favorite per DraftKings Sportsbook.

SEE ALSO: ‘I’ve had it awhile’: The case of Bob Knight’s missing thrown chair was concluded by none other than Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson

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