Indiana looks to continue their race towards their first NCAA tournament bid since 2016, while Northwestern will look to win their third straight.
TV Schedule: January 8, 2022, on Big Ten Network at 9:00
Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena
The Indiana Hoosiers go into this game with a record of 16-6. Their six losses have come against Wisconsin, Illinois, Syracuse, Michigan, Penn State, and Iowa. Their best win has come against Purdue. Indiana was not ranked in the recent AP poll. The Hoosiers did receive 11 votes though.
Offensively, the Hoosiers are led by Trayce Jackson Davis. Davis is averaging 17 points per game on 59 percent shooting. Their defense is one of the best in the country. Opposing teams shot 37 percent when playing the Hoosiers. That percentage is 7th in the country.
Overall, Indiana has made ginormous strides under first-year coach Mike Woodson. Indiana has already won more games than they did last year. If they’re able to take care of opponents like Northwestern down the stretch, they should make the NCAA tournament.
The Northwestern Wildcats go into this game with a record of 11-10. Their ten losses have come against Wake Forest, Providence, Maryland, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan State. Their best win has come against Michigan State. This is a team that has shown to be competitive but struggles overall to close games out.
Offensively, the Wildcats are led by Pete Nance. Nance is averaging 15 points on 50 percent shooting. Northwestern’s offense is focused primarily on moving the ball. The Wildcats average 16 assists per game. That is good for 15th in the country. Their assist to turnover rate is 1.633.
The Hoosiers will avoid the upset behind their defense and Trayce Northwestern’s defense will not able to defend Trayce in the post. While this game will be closer than expected because of Nance, Indiana will come out with the victory.
Prediction: Indiana 69, Northwestern 55