Indiana and Ohio State look to stay a step ahead in Big Ten race.
Jan 15, 2012 - At this time last week, all signs pointed toward an epic rematch between two top ten college basketball teams at Value City Arena.
Technically that situation still exists since the No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers (15-2, 3-2) and No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes (15-3, 3-2) will both be top ten teams at tip time and the play should be no less spirited than it was a couple of weeks ago when the Hoosiers took down then No. 2 Buckeyes at Assembly Hall. But some of the luster has worn off the game after both teams added a conference loss to their ledger leading up to the matchup.
Ohio State was ambushed on the road at Illinois falling victim to a ridiculous performance by the Illini's Brandon Paul who knocked down eight three-pointers as part of his 43-point game. Indiana simply was caught exhaling by a desperate Minnesota Golden Gophers team who entered Assembly Hall winless in Big Ten play and left with a special W to bring the high-flyin' Hoosiers back to Earth.
The loser of today's game will likely fall out of the top ten in the new rankings that come out on Monday. But the intensity in this game will remain at a fever pitch since both teams are now fighting to remain in the mix for a regular-season conference championship.
Forward Jared Sullinger continues to lead Ohio State with 17.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while the Hoosier counter in the front court with freshman Cody Zeller's 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. In the last meeting, Indiana guard Victor Oladipo changed the tone of the game with his defensive pressure on the Buckeye backcourt. The Hoosiers will need much of the same today without the frenzied home crowd to fuel the intensity.
For more on the Indiana Hoosierse, check out The Crimson Quarry. For more on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Along The Olentangy. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.
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