Indiana Hoosiers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Rutgers, Indiana Look to Establish Consistency in Big Ten Clash

Inconsistent play has marked the seasons of both Rutgers and Indiana, and as the teams prepare to resume Big Ten action on Thursday in Bloomington, Ind., each is eager to set a steadier course. Despite NBA-level talent on both rosters, neither program has yet found a way to dominate consistently.

Indiana: Searching for Offensive Rhythm

The Hoosiers (10-3, 1-1 Big Ten) have struggled to string together convincing performances, even against mid-major opponents. Narrow wins over Chattanooga and Winthrop capped a shaky nonconference schedule, which also included a blowout loss to Nebraska.

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Shooting woes have plagued Indiana recently, as the team has connected on just 18.7 percent from 3-point range over its past three games, including a dismal 1-for-20 performance against Winthrop. Head coach Mike Woodson emphasized the need to move forward and focus on the upcoming Big Ten battle.

“Every game is important moving forward,” Woodson said. “Can’t look back. We’ve got Rutgers coming in. That’s my only focus right now.”

Indiana’s offense is led by Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako, both former five-star recruits averaging 15.0 and 13.5 points per game, respectively. Oumar Ballo, who leads the Hoosiers with 9.2 rebounds per game, was a surprise scratch against Winthrop. Woodson declined to elaborate on Ballo’s absence but indicated the team would address the situation ahead of the Rutgers matchup.

Rutgers: Building Momentum

The Scarlet Knights (8-5, 1-1 Big Ten) have endured an up-and-down nonconference slate, with losses to Kennesaw State and Princeton highlighting their inconsistency. However, Rutgers has won three of its past four games and appears to be finding its stride.

In a 91-64 rout of Columbia on Monday, freshman phenom Dylan Harper recorded the program’s first triple-double since 1983, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists. Harper, who ranks fourth nationally at 22.8 points per game, has teamed up with fellow freshman Ace Bailey (18.2 points, 7.6 rebounds) to form one of the most dynamic duos in college basketball.

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Harper credited the team’s preparation and unity for the recent improvements.

“Seeing how locked in we’ve been recently … the attention to detail we all have, the film watching we all had,” Harper said. “The biggest thing is sticking together and being a group. We’re going to compete against each other hard every day.”

Key Matchup: Harper vs. Reneau and Mgbako

The battle between Rutgers’ Harper and Indiana’s frontcourt duo of Reneau and Mgbako could determine the outcome. Harper’s versatility and playmaking will challenge the Hoosiers’ defense, while Reneau and Mgbako’s ability to score and rebound could exploit a Rutgers team still seeking consistency on both ends of the floor.

Outlook

Both teams enter the matchup looking to make a statement as they dive deeper into Big Ten play. Indiana will aim to use its home-court advantage to rediscover its offensive rhythm, while Rutgers hopes its recent surge translates to a marquee conference win. With star talent on both sides, this clash promises to be an intense and pivotal game in the early Big Ten schedule.