Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

Hoosiers and Buckeyes Clash in a Must-Win Regular Season Finale

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Indiana (18-12, 9-10 Big Ten) hosts Ohio State (17-13, 9-10 Big Ten) in a pivotal matchup on Saturday in Bloomington, Indiana. With both teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble, this game is more than just another conference clash—it could determine their postseason fate.

The winner of this high-stakes battle secures the No. 9 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, earning a crucial first-round bye. But more importantly, a victory strengthens their case for an NCAA Tournament berth, while a loss could leave them relying on a deep conference tournament run to stay in the mix.

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Indiana Looking to Rebound After Setback Against Oregon

Since head coach Mike Woodson announced his departure effective at the end of the season, the Hoosiers have responded with improved play, winning three straight games before falling to Oregon 73-64 on Tuesday. A major concern in that loss was rebounding—Indiana was outworked on the boards by seven, prompting assistant coach Brian Walsh to emphasize the need for toughness.

“If you want to win in March, you’ve got to be a little nastier on the boards,” Walsh said.

The Hoosiers will need Mackenzie Mgbako (12.3 PPG) and Myles Rice (10.7 PPG) to bounce back after a poor shooting performance against Oregon, where they combined for just 12 points on 3-for-17 shooting.

Keys to Victory for Indiana

• Control the Glass: Outrebounding Ohio State will be crucial, especially after their struggles against Oregon.
• Efficient Scoring from Mgbako & Rice: The duo needs to be more effective offensively.
• Use Home-Court Advantage: A strong start in their final home game of the season could give the Hoosiers the momentum they need.

Ohio State Fighting to Keep NCAA Hopes Alive

The Buckeyes are coming off a thrilling 116-114 double-overtime win against Nebraska on Tuesday, keeping their tournament hopes alive. Bruce Thornton led the way with 29 points and nine assists, proving once again that he is Ohio State’s go-to player.

“Everybody knows what the goal is,” Thornton said after the win. “But this team has so much fight. We don’t give up at all.”

Thornton leads the team in scoring at 17.8 PPG, but he has strong support from Devin Royal (13.6 PPG), John Mobley Jr. (13.4 PPG), and Micah Parrish (13.0 PPG). If Ohio State wants to win on the road, they’ll need their balanced scoring attack to deliver.

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Keys to Victory for Ohio State

• Continue Offensive Momentum: Scoring 116 points against Nebraska showcased their firepower, and they’ll need more of the same against Indiana.
• Thornton’s Leadership: The star guard must set the tone and control the pace of the game.
• Defensive Intensity: Slowing down Indiana’s key scorers and winning the rebounding battle will be crucial.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?

This game is a must-win for both teams in the NCAA Tournament conversation. A victory doesn’t guarantee a tournament bid, but it significantly boosts their resume, especially for Indiana, which would complete a season sweep of Ohio State after their 77-76 overtime win on Jan. 17.

The loser, meanwhile, will find themselves in a much more difficult position, likely needing multiple wins in the Big Ten Tournament to have any chance of hearing their name on Selection Sunday.

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Prediction: A Hard-Fought Battle in Bloomington

With both teams facing win-or-go-home pressure, expect a tight, competitive contest. Indiana has the home-court advantage and motivation to send off Mike Woodson with a win in his final home game. However, Ohio State’s offensive depth and recent momentum make them a dangerous opponent.

Final Score Prediction: Indiana 74, Ohio State 72

One thing is certain—this game will have a lasting impact on both teams’ postseason aspirations. Buckle up for an exciting finish to the Big Ten regular season.