Indiana, Oregon Peaking at the Right Time in Crucial Big Ten Clash

As March Madness approaches, both Oregon and Indiana are hitting their stride at exactly the right time. The Ducks (21-8, 10-8 Big Ten) and the Hoosiers (18-11, 9-9) meet in Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday night in a matchup that could have major postseason implications.

Oregon is known for playing its best basketball in March, a staple of head coach Dana Altman’s program. Since taking over in 2010-11, Altman’s teams lead the nation in March wins, and they added another one to the total on Saturday, securing their fifth straight victory with a win over Southern California.

Indiana, meanwhile, is right on the NCAA Tournament bubble and needs every win it can get. The Hoosiers have been playing with urgency, winning four of their last five games, including back-to-back upsets over then-No. 11 Michigan State and then-No. 13 Purdue.

With both teams surging, this matchup feels like a tournament game in itself.

Oregon Hitting Peak Form at Just the Right Time

Oregon has already secured a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament, but moving from eighth place to fourth for a double-bye is a long shot. Still, momentum is everything in March, and the Ducks are determined to keep rolling.

Senior center Nate Bittle has been a dominant force during Oregon’s five-game winning streak, averaging 17.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game. His ability to control the paint on both ends has been key to the Ducks’ late-season surge.

The Ducks are also playing with extra motivation on Senior Night, a fact not lost on guard Keeshawn Barthelemy.

“We’ve just gotta come out ready to play Tuesday for Senior Night,” Barthelemy said. “One of those nights we’ve just gotta put it all out there.”

With a history of deep tournament runs, Oregon will look to carry its late-season momentum forward, using this game as another opportunity to prove its March dominance.

Indiana Fighting for an NCAA Tournament Spot

Unlike Oregon, Indiana doesn’t have the luxury of feeling secure about its NCAA Tournament chances.

Currently sitting on the bubble, the Hoosiers need a strong finish to solidify their place in the field of 68. Wins in their final two regular-season games, combined with a solid performance in the Big Ten Tournament, would greatly improve their resume.

Fortunately for head coach Mike Woodson, his team is trending in the right direction.

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Indiana has won four of its last five, including statement victories over Michigan State and Purdue. More impressively, the Hoosiers have found different ways to win, showcasing a balanced offensive attack.

While center Oumar Ballo (13.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG) leads the team, a different player has stepped up as the leading scorer in each of the last four games. That offensive versatility makes Indiana tougher to defend and more dangerous heading into tournament play.

Woodson has been particularly pleased with how his team is learning to close out tight games, something that will be crucial in March.

“These guys are learning how to win close games,” Woodson told The Daily Hoosier. “We’ve been playing much, much better basketball.”

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Nate Bittle vs. Oumar Ballo in the Paint – Two dominant Big Ten big men will battle inside, and the winner of this matchup could dictate the game’s tempo.
• Oregon’s Senior Night Energy vs. Indiana’s Sense of Urgency – Will the Ducks ride the emotional boost of playing their last home game of the season, or will Indiana’s desperation for a tournament berth push them over the edge?
• Three-Point Shooting – Both teams have been hot from beyond the arc in recent games. Whichever team can consistently hit from deep will have a major advantage.

Who Has the Edge?

Oregon’s home-court advantage and March track record make the Ducks the favorites on paper, especially with Bittle playing at an elite level.

However, Indiana is playing with high stakes, knowing that every game could determine its tournament fate. If the Hoosiers bring the same fight that led to their recent upsets, they could absolutely pull off a road win.

Both teams are playing their best basketball at the right time, setting the stage for a high-intensity showdown that feels like an early March Madness battle.

Will Oregon continue its late-season dominance, or will Indiana steal a massive win to bolster its tournament resume? The answer awaits in Eugene.