Indiana men’s basketball (8-2, 1-1 Big Ten) is set to take on Washington (9-4, 1-1 Big Ten) in its first game of the new year on Sunday night.
The Hoosiers’ last outing was an 81-60 win over Siena at home.
Indiana avoided any disastrous performances in the non-conference slate but didn’t pick up any notable wins with Marquette and Kansas State both looking weaker as time goes on.
The Huskies are coming off of a 74-65 win over Utah at home. Unlike Indiana, Washington fell to a mid-major opponent when the Huskies lost to crosstown Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. They too need a strong finish in Big Ten play if they have any desire to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Here’s what to know about the game:
Indiana Hoosiers vs Washington Huskies
- Game Time/Date: 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 4
- Game Location: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Streaming: YouTube TV/FuboTV
- KenPom Spread: Hoosiers by 6
Predictions
Indiana needs to take control of this game early.
The Huskies can score, but most of their points come from the interior because they neither take, nor make, all that many 3-pointers. If the Hoosiers are shooting the ball well it’ll force Washington to have to match 3s with 2s which, mathematically, isn’t easy.
It’ll come down to how Indiana shoots from the 3-point line, as it usually does. Strong shooting? Should be a win. Poor shooting? I don’t think the Hoosiers can afford empty possessions or match the Huskies in the interior.
