Indiana basketball returns to Big Ten Conference play in its 125th season of competition in men’s basketball against Rutgers on Thursday, Jan. 2, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Indiana wrapped up the non-conference with a win over Winthrop this past Sunday.
The Scarlet Knights enter the game with a record of 8-5 (1-1 Big Ten) under ninth-year head coach Steve Pikiell. Rutgers is led by two of the top freshmen in the country in guard Dylan Harper and forward Ace Bailey, both are projected lottery picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper averages 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest, while Bailey adds 18.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per outing.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 PM on Peacock.
Below is the full preview.
Key Indiana basketball Storylines
It is Big Ten rest of the way through. Time to step up.
Time to get serious if you are Indiana basketball. After a very ‘eh’ non-conference slate, the Hoosiers now hit their most important part of their year, Big Ten play.
Indiana basketball gets back into Big Ten play with already 10 wins on the season and at least 1 win in conference play. They do already, like most in the conference, have 1 loss in conference play as well.
The Big Ten schedule also provides the Hoosiers many chances to improve their NCAA Tournament resume as well. With as deep and balance the Big Ten is this season, there are so many chances to get some quality wins.
It is fair to say that the way Indiana played these last two months did not give the fanbase a ton of hope that the Hoosiers have turned things around. If they can find ways to win a lot of Big Ten games, they can really brings some life back into the program.
Series History
The Scarlet Knights hold a slight 9-8 series lead over the 17 games played on the hardwood. The Hoosiers hold a record of 4-2 in games played at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Indiana, behind a dominant effort from All-American forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, took down No. 24 Rutgers by a score of 66-60 on Feb. 7, 2023, the last time the sides met in Bloomington. TJD finished the game with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists.
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 will be out indefinitely.
Jakai Newton: Indiana redshirt freshman guard Jakai Newton underwent successful surgery to treat an injury to his lower body. He will be out indefinitely but is expected to return this season. This injury is not related to the one he had prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.
Oumar Ballo: Ballo missed last game for an undisclosed reasoning. It is unclear if he will pay vs Rutgers.
Quick Hitters
Who?: Indiana (10-3) (1-1) vs Rutgers (8-5) (1-1)
When?: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 • 8:30 p.m. ET
Where?: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (17,222) • Bloomington, Ind.
TV: Peacock (Noah Eagle, Robbie Hummel, Caroline Pineda)
Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)
Betting Lines: Indiana is listed as a 5.5-point favorite per DraftKings Sportsbook.
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