In a huge Sunday afternoon showdown at the top of the Big Ten, No. 8 Ohio State will look to avenge their 74-70 loss at No. 5 Indiana on New Year’s Eve at 4:30 on CBS.
Ohio State Vs. Indiana: Sunday Afternoon Big Ten Showdown
The Buckeyes desperately need to hold serve at home to stay in the Big Ten race.
Whoever loses the game between the Buckeyes, with 3 losses, and the Hoosiers, with 2, will probably be knocked out of the running for a No. 1 seed as well as fall way behind Michigan State and Illinois in the race for the Big Ten championship.
In the first game, freshman Cody Zeller held his own against Ohio State's All-American Jared Sullinger, letting Indiana stay at home on Ohio State's shooters. Sullinger, an expert low-post player, will try to take advantage of Zeller's inexperience, especially on the road. If he can get Zeller in foul trouble, the Hoosiers don't have anyone else who can match up with the 6'8 260 sophomore in the low post.
On the perimeter, Indiana changed the tempo of the first game by sticking the long-armed Victor Oladipo on the Buckeyes normally cool-headed Aaron Craft, as Oladipo used his athleticism to force the sophomore PG into a couple turnovers.
The Hoosiers clearly have the talent to hang with Ohio State, the question will be how they handle playing in a tough road environment.
For the more on Ohio State basketball, check out Along the Olentangy while The Crimson Quarry has you covered for everything Indiana related.
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