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

Indiana basketball continues Big Ten Conference play in its 125th season of competition with a two-game Pacific Northwest road swing. Game one of the trip features the debut Big Ten clash between the Hoosiers and Washington Huskies. Hoosiers have won 3 of their last 4 games.

The Huskies enter the game with a record of 13-15 (4-13 Big Ten) under first-year head coach Danny Sprinkle. Washington is led by 14.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game from senior forward Great Osobor. Junior guard Mekhi Mason (47 made 3-pointers), senior guard DJ Davis (46), and sophomore guard Tyler Harris (43) have all made at least 40 3-point shots.

Tipoff is set for 6:00 pm on Peacock.

Below is the full preview.

Key Indiana basketball Storylines

Have to split the west coast trip worst case….it starts with Washington.

Indiana basketball have started to build some much-needed momentum as they now have a clear path to make the NCAA Tournament. They have won their last 3 of 4 games which includes two Quad 1 wins over Michigan State and Purdue.

Indiana has 3 more games left and this road trip is really the last hurdle that the Hoosiers have to jump. To be on the safe side, Indiana basketball must at least go 1-2 on this west coast trip. By that, it means Indiana needs to beat Washington at the very least.

To put it in simple terms, Washington is the worst team in the Big Ten and have been that way all year. A loss to Huskies would be more of an impact on Indiana’s resume than it would if they ebat them. A loss is something the Hoosiers cannot afford.

This is going to be a mental test for Indiana. Being out west in a different time zone and playing a team they know they are better than will test the true version of Indiana. An NCAA Tournament type team wins these games.

The Hoosiers lead the abbreviated series history between the two programs, 3-1. IU has won three straight against UW, including a 102-84 results in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic in New York on Nov. 21, 2013.

Indiana was led by 22 points and eight rebounds from Troy Williams. Kevin ‘Yogi’ Ferrell added 20 points and five assists. The ninth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Noah Vonleh, chipped in 18 points and nine rebounds, while Will Sheehey scored 16 points.