Wisconsin Badgers vs Indiana Hoosiers Picks and Predictions February 4th 2025

Hoosiers Look to Snap Skid Against Dominant Badgers in Madison

Needing a statement win to impress the NCAA Tournament selection committee, the Indiana Hoosiers (14-8, 5-6 Big Ten) face a daunting challenge on Tuesday night as they travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to take on the No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers (17-5, 7-4 Big Ten) at the Kohl Center—a venue where Indiana has not won in over two decades.

The Hoosiers, currently on a three-game losing streak, will need to overcome both Wisconsin’s home-court dominance and their own late-game struggles to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Sign Up Today!

Wisconsin: A Defensive Powerhouse with Elite Free-Throw Shooting

The Badgers enter Tuesday’s matchup with an 11-1 home record, reinforcing their reputation as one of the toughest teams to beat in the Big Ten when playing in Madison. They are also 20-0 at home against Indiana since 2000, a streak that looms large over the Hoosiers’ chances.

Wisconsin is coming off a 75-69 road win over Northwestern, a game in which they overcame a sluggish first half and showcased their resilience. John Tonje led the way with 27 points, while reserve Carter Gilmore chipped in a career-high 15 points—all after halftime.

Coach Greg Gard praised his team’s grit:

“This was a really gutty performance. For us to withstand a 28 percent shooting first half, defensively keep ourselves in the game, and then not crumble shows incredible toughness.”

Key Wisconsin Stats & Strengths

• John Tonje (18.6 PPG, 49 made 3-pointers) has scored 20+ points in four straight games and will be a key offensive threat.
• Steven Crowl (5.8 RPG) leads the team in rebounding, providing an inside presence.
• Elite Free-Throw Efficiency: Wisconsin is on pace to break the NCAA single-season record for free-throw percentage (84.6%). They have made more free throws (386) than their opponents have attempted (385).
• Defensive Strength: The Badgers allow just 70.5 PPG and are 29-1 when holding opponents to 70 points or fewer since last season (12-1 this year).
• Explosive Offense: Wisconsin has scored 80+ points in 13 games this season, something they haven’t done since 1970-71.

If Wisconsin dictates the pace and keeps the game in the 70s or lower, their historical trends suggest they will be in a prime position to win.

Daily College Basketball Picks

Indiana: Searching for a Breakthrough Win

Indiana has faced gut-wrenching losses in recent weeks, including an 81-76 defeat at No. 10 Purdue last Friday. In that game, the Hoosiers led 67-61 with 5:30 remaining, only to be outscored 20-9 down the stretch, largely due to 20 costly turnovers that allowed Purdue to capitalize.

Coach Mike Woodson acknowledged the issue after the loss:

“The difference in the game was the 20 turnovers. That was huge. On the road, you can’t turn it over like that. And they made us pay for it.”

Key Indiana Stats & Concerns

• Turnover Woes: Indiana must improve its ball security after giving up 26 points off turnovers against Purdue.
• Offensive Weapons:
  • Oumar Ballo (14.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG) is averaging a double-double and will be key in the paint.
  • Mackenzie Mgbako (13.1 PPG) led Indiana with 25 points against Purdue.
  • Malik Reneau (12.5 PPG) & Myles Rice (11.5 PPG) provide scoring depth.
• Point Guard Struggles: Myles Rice went scoreless in 20 minutes vs. Purdue and missed a key go-ahead shot late. Can he bounce back?
• Late-Game Execution: The Hoosiers have struggled to close out tight games, an issue that could cost them in a hostile environment like Madison.

Guard Trey Galloway, who scored 15 points against Purdue, remains optimistic:

“We want to win in the worst way possible. The good thing is another great opportunity against Wisconsin. We just have to learn from this.”

Elevate your sports betting to the next level

Keys to the Game & Prediction

What Indiana Must Do to Win

✅ Limit Turnovers: Ball control is crucial against a disciplined Wisconsin team.
✅ Defend the 3-Point Line: John Tonje is a lethal shooter who can change the game from beyond the arc.
✅ Attack the Paint & Draw Fouls: Wisconsin is elite at the free-throw line, so Indiana must avoid sending them there while taking advantage of their own chances inside.
✅ Close Strong: The Hoosiers have led in big games but failed to execute late. They must show composure in the final minutes.

What Wisconsin Must Do to Win

✅ Control the Tempo: Keep Indiana uncomfortable by dictating the pace.
✅ Exploit Indiana’s Turnover Issues: Force mistakes and turn them into transition points.
✅ Lean on Free-Throw Shooting: If Wisconsin gets to the line, their 84.6% accuracy will give them a major edge.

Game Prediction

While Indiana is desperate for a win, Wisconsin’s dominance at home, historical success against Indiana, elite free-throw shooting, and superior late-game execution make them the favorites. Unless Indiana can significantly cut down on turnovers and make key defensive stops, the Hoosiers may struggle to keep up.

Final Score Prediction: Wisconsin 78, Indiana 71

Final Thoughts

This game is a must-win for Indiana if they want to stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation, but history and current form favor Wisconsin. A win for the Badgers would further solidify their status as a Big Ten contender, while a loss for Indiana would put their tournament hopes in jeopardy.

Can Indiana break its 20-game losing streak in Madison, or will Wisconsin continue its home-court dominance?

🔹 Tip-off: Tuesday, 8:00 PM ET
🔹 Location: Kohl Center, Madison, WI
🔹 TV: Big Ten Network