Indiana University’s basketball team will take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers tonight in their first game of the Big Ten conference play at Williams Arena. The matchup begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on BTN.
The Hoosiers come into this game with an impressive start to the season, having won six out of their first seven games, often by substantial margins. This marks their first road contest under new head coach Darian DeVries and only their second game away from Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall this season.
On the other hand, Minnesota is struggling to find its footing, currently sitting at 4-4 and on a three-game losing streak. Coach Niko Medved is also in his first season, facing significant challenges due to injuries that have impacted his lineup. Key contributors, including forward BJ Omot and starters Robert Vaihola and Chansey Willis, are sidelined with injuries. Willis is out for the season following a broken foot, while Vaihola is unavailable due to a knee injury. Omot’s return remains uncertain.
Despite their setbacks, Minnesota showcased tenacity in their most recent outing, losing to Santa Clara 86-75 while relying on a rotation of just seven players. Cade Tyson has emerged as a standout, averaging 22.4 points per game and demonstrating versatility both as a scorer and playmaker. Alongside him, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson has solidified Minnesota’s frontcourt with a strong rebounding presence, contributing 9.1 rebounds per game.
The Gophers are executing well at the free-throw line, ranking highly in free-throw attempts relative to opponents, but have struggled from beyond the arc with a 31% shooting percentage. Indiana will need to capitalize on Minnesota’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in 3-point shooting, to secure the victory.
Indiana’s performance so far has shown promise, and they are favored to win this matchup. However, navigating the challenges of an away game in the Big Ten is notoriously tough, and Minnesota’s home-court advantage, bolstered by their undefeated record at Williams Arena, could prove formidable.
This game is crucial for the Hoosiers to establish momentum in the conference, especially as the January schedule intensifies. With both teams under new leadership and facing different struggles, the outcome promises to be an intriguing clash in their early Big Ten journey.