Saturday, March 8, 2025, brings us an exciting Big Ten matchup: Indiana vs. Ohio State. Both teams have a lot on the line as they head into this late-season contest.
This article offers a comprehensive preview of the game, including all the details you need: where to watch, betting odds, expert predictions, and key players to watch. We’ll also look at what this game means for each team’s chances in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and their hopes for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Game Details and How to Watch
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the Indiana Hoosiers take on the Ohio State Buckeyes:
- When and Where: March 8, 2025, at 3:45 PM ET at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
- Watch it on TV: CBS.
- Stream it: SiriusXM channel 380 and the Varsity Network.
- Listen on the Radio: 105.1 FM in Bloomington and 93.1 FM in Indianapolis.
- Get Tickets: Starting at $145 on StubHub.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Want to put a little something on the Indiana/Ohio State game? Here’s a look at how the smart money is lining up, along with a few expert takes.
- Indiana is favored by 2.5 points.
- The over/under is set at 148.5 points.
- Check your favorite sportsbook for the moneyline odds for each team.
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Hoosiers a 52.4% chance of winning, while IndyStar’s Zach Osterman is predicting a 68-65 Indiana victory.
Based on the betting lines, Indiana has an implied probability of winning. (You’ll need to consult your favorite sportsbook for the exact number.)
Both Indiana and Ohio State have an against-the-spread (ATS) record of 16-14-0.
Indiana vs. Ohio State: Team Overviews and Recent Performance
Let’s take a closer look at how each team has been performing lately.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers currently stand at 18-12 overall, with a 9-10 record in the Big Ten. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag recently. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. A recent loss to Oregon highlighted some of their struggles on the road.
- Points per game (Rank): 75.5 (130)
- Points allowed (Rank): 72.4 (195)
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes mirror Indiana’s conference record at 9-10, holding an overall record of 17-13. They’ve had their ups and downs as well, but a thrilling double-overtime victory against Nebraska showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
- Points per game (Rank): 79.7 (49)
- Points allowed (Rank): 73.7 (233)
Key Player Matchups and Statistics
Let’s take a look at the players who’ll likely have the biggest impact on the Indiana vs. Ohio State game.
Indiana Key Players
- Malik Reneau: Averaging 13.0 points and 5.6 rebounds, Reneau is a consistent presence in the paint. His recent performances have been solid, providing a reliable scoring option for the Hoosiers.
- Mackenzie Mgbako: Mgbako contributes 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds, making him another important factor on both ends of the court. Look for him to be aggressive and challenge Ohio State’s defense.
- Trey Galloway: With 8.0 points and 4.5 assists, Galloway is the primary playmaker for Indiana. His ability to distribute the ball effectively will be crucial for setting up scoring opportunities.
- Luke Goode: Goode is a sharpshooter, averaging 9.4 points while hitting 41.3% of his 3-pointers. If he gets hot from beyond the arc, it could swing the momentum in Indiana’s favor.
Ohio State Key Players
- Bruce Thornton: Thornton leads the Buckeyes with 17.8 points and 4.5 assists, shooting 43.2% from three-point range. He’s a dynamic guard who can score in multiple ways and will be a tough matchup for Indiana’s defense.
- Devin Royal: Royal is a force inside, averaging 13.6 points and 7.0 rebounds. His rebounding prowess and ability to score in the post will be key for Ohio State.
- Micah Parrish: Parrish contributes 13.0 points and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 36.0% from beyond the arc. His versatility and ability to score from different spots on the floor make him a valuable asset.
- John Mobley Jr.: Mobley Jr. adds 13.4 points while hitting 40.2% of his 3-pointers. His long-range shooting provides a significant boost to Ohio State’s offense.
What does this game mean for the NCAA tournament?
This game is huge for both teams. Both Indiana and Ohio State are considered “bubble teams,” meaning they’re right on the edge of qualifying for the NCAA tournament. A loss here could seriously damage their chances, potentially knocking them out of contention altogether.
Beyond the NCAA implications, the outcome also affects seeding in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. A win significantly improves their chances of securing a better seed and potentially earning a valuable first-round bye.
Speaking of the future, the 2025 Big Ten Tournament schedule is already generating buzz, so keep an eye out for those dates!
Summary
This game hinges on Ohio State’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball and Indiana’s capacity to pull off an upset. The Buckeyes are the clear favorites, according to the betting odds, but a strong showing from Indiana’s key players could make things interesting.
For Ohio State, a win keeps their playoff hopes alive, while a loss would be devastating. Indiana, on the other hand, is looking to play spoiler and build momentum for the rest of the season.
Given Ohio State’s talent and the pressure they’re under, I’m predicting a Buckeye victory, but Indiana will likely put up a fight.