Iowa Hawkeyes vs Indiana Hoosiers Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Iowa’s Dix, Sandfort Look to Stay Hot Against Indiana

After a historic performance in their last outing, Iowa’s Josh Dix and Payton Sandfort are set to lead the Hawkeyes into a critical Big Ten clash with Indiana on Saturday night in Iowa City.

Dynamic Duo

Dix and Sandfort made history Tuesday night in Iowa’s thrilling 97-87 overtime victory against Nebraska. Both players scored at least 30 points and drained six 3-pointers, marking the first time since 2011 that Division I teammates at a high-major school accomplished such a feat.

Dix led the charge with a career-high 31 points, seven 3-pointers, and seven assists while playing nearly every minute of the game. Sandfort delivered all 30 of his points in the second half and overtime, connecting on six triples as the Hawkeyes erased a 15-point deficit.

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Iowa coach Fran McCaffery was effusive in his praise of Dix.

“He played as hard as he could, every possession, on both ends of the floor,” McCaffery said. “He made phenomenal decisions, made big shots, made big plays.”

Indiana’s Interior Dominance

Indiana (13-3, 4-1 Big Ten) comes into the game riding momentum after an 82-69 win over Southern California on Wednesday. The Hoosiers erased a 10-point first-half deficit and controlled the second half, thanks in large part to the dominance of 7-foot center Oumar Ballo.

Ballo, a transfer from Arizona, tallied 23 points and eight rebounds on 9-of-11 shooting. Over the past two games, he has averaged 24 points and 10.5 rebounds, stepping up in the absence of Malik Reneau, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Indiana coach Mike Woodson highlighted Ballo’s importance to the team.

“That’s why we brought him here,” Woodson said. “He’s a big piece to the puzzle. He has to continue to play well.”

Myles Rice also delivered 19 points against USC, compensating for an off night from Mackenzie Mgbako, who went scoreless for the first time in his college career.

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Key Matchup: Iowa’s Perimeter Shooting vs. Indiana’s Size

Iowa (11-4, 2-2 Big Ten) will lean on its hot perimeter shooting and the playmaking of Dix and Sandfort to counter Indiana’s interior presence. The Hawkeyes average 9.3 made 3-pointers per game, while Indiana’s size with Ballo in the paint presents a challenge on both ends of the court.

The Hoosiers will look to slow down Iowa’s pace and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, an area where Ballo has excelled.

Series History and Stakes

Indiana holds a 107-82 lead in the all-time series and won last season’s matchup 74-68. Saturday’s game is crucial for both teams as they jockey for position in the competitive Big Ten standings.

Will Iowa’s sharpshooters continue their torrid pace, or will Indiana’s inside game carry the day? Expect a battle of contrasting styles in this marquee conference showdown.