The Buckeyes dropped their second consecutive game on Tuesday night at No. 24 Wisconsin, falling by two points for the second straight outing. Despite a spirited second-half rally, they were unable to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit. The Ohio State men’s basketball team now stands at 10-7 (2-4 Big Ten) with 14 remaining conference games on the schedule. No upcoming game carries more immediate significance than the one ahead, as the Indiana Hoosiers visit for a primetime Friday night matchup on national television.
Indiana, currently 13-5 (4-3 Big Ten), has also faced recent struggles, suffering back-to-back 25-point losses—first on the road at Iowa and then at home against Illinois. The Hoosiers aim to regain their footing against Ohio State to bolster their position in the competitive Big Ten standings. Led by standout forward Malik Reneau and center Oumar Ballo, Indiana has demonstrated a balanced offensive approach complemented by a tenacious defensive presence. Coach Mike Woodson has leaned on his team’s experience, which has been a key factor in their strong start to the season.
Ohio State, known for its perimeter shooting and up-tempo style, poses a challenge that will test Indiana’s ability to defend the three-point line and dominate the boards. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are eager to break their streak of close losses, having dropped two straight games, and three on the season, by a single possession. With only 15 Big Ten teams advancing to the conference tournament, this matchup could prove pivotal for both squads as they look to solidify their postseason aspirations.

Indiana Scoring Leaders
Oumar Ballo 14.1 PPG
Malike Reneau 14.1 PPG
Myles Rice 12.4 PPG
Mackenzie Mgbako 12.3 PPG
Ohio State Scoring Leaders
Bruce Thornton 17.4 PPG
Devin Royal 13.8 PPG
John Mobley Jr. 11.9 PPG
Micah Parrish 10.0 PPG
Stay tuned for Ohio State v. Indiana coverage on X @aidanchandler22 starting around 6:30 PM ET.