Game Preview: Indiana vs. Ohio State
The Indiana Hoosiers travel to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in a critical Big Ten matchup. Both teams are aiming to strengthen their conference standing, but Ohio State’s efficient offense and stifling defense could give them the upper hand.
Matchup Overview
Indiana Hoosiers (13-5, 9-9-0 ATS)
Indiana relies on strong interior scoring and efficient shooting, ranking 94th nationally in field goal percentage (46.7%). However, their perimeter game is a significant weakness, as they shoot just 31.4% from beyond the arc (298th). On defense, Indiana’s ability to limit three-point shooting (31.2%, 92nd) is solid, but they’ve struggled to stop efficient offenses overall, allowing opponents to shoot 42.5% (141st).
Ohio State Buckeyes (10-7, 10-7-0 ATS)
Ohio State excels in offensive efficiency, shooting 48.2% from the field (35th) and 37.2% from three (40th). Defensively, they’re one of the best at limiting opponents’ shooting, holding teams to 39.4% from the field (29th) and 29.0% from three (35th). Their ability to disrupt Indiana’s scoring, particularly from the perimeter, could be a deciding factor.
Key Matchups
- Indiana Offense vs. Ohio State Defense
- Field Goal Percentage: Indiana’s 46.7% shooting will be tested by Ohio State’s ability to hold opponents to 39.4%.
Advantage: Ohio State Defense. - Three-Point Shooting: Indiana’s struggles beyond the arc (31.4%) will likely continue against Ohio State’s elite perimeter defense (29.0%).
Advantage: Ohio State Defense.
- Field Goal Percentage: Indiana’s 46.7% shooting will be tested by Ohio State’s ability to hold opponents to 39.4%.
- Ohio State Offense vs. Indiana Defense
- Field Goal Percentage: Ohio State’s 48.2% shooting efficiency is among the best in the nation and should exploit Indiana’s average defensive metrics (42.5% allowed).
Advantage: Ohio State Offense. - Three-Point Shooting: Ohio State’s 37.2% from three will challenge Indiana’s respectable defense on the perimeter.
Slight Advantage: Ohio State Offense.
- Field Goal Percentage: Ohio State’s 48.2% shooting efficiency is among the best in the nation and should exploit Indiana’s average defensive metrics (42.5% allowed).
X-Factors
- Rebounding: Indiana has an edge on the boards, particularly on the defensive glass. Limiting Ohio State’s second-chance opportunities will be critical.
- Turnovers: Ohio State is better at protecting the ball, which could prevent Indiana from generating easy transition opportunities.
- Home-Court Advantage: Ohio State’s 7-3 record at home makes them a tough opponent at Value City Arena, while Indiana’s 1-2 road record highlights their struggles away from Bloomington.
Prediction
Ohio State’s combination of offensive efficiency and elite defense is a difficult matchup for Indiana, especially given the Hoosiers’ reliance on interior scoring and lack of consistent perimeter shooting. While Indiana’s rebounding might keep the game close early, Ohio State’s ability to control both ends of the court will likely lead to a convincing win.
Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 77, Indiana 66
Spread Recommendation: Take Ohio State -7.5. Their dominance in shooting efficiency and defense gives them the edge to cover the spread.
