Indiana has one last non-con game before the Big Ten slate. But if they’re not careful, the Winthrop Eagles could give them a real scare.
TV schedule: Sunday, December 29th, 4:00 pm ET. Big Ten Network
Arena: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana
After splitting its first two games in Big Ten play, Indiana (9-3) took on a pair of solid mid-major programs to round out the non-conference. They defeated Chattanooga 74-65 in a game that was never an easy contest. It was a balanced effort overall, led by Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako with 14 points apiece.
Those are the two leading scorers on the season for the Hoosiers, combining to average 29 ppg. Transfers Oumar Ballo (12.4 ppg and 9.2 rpg) and Myles Rice (11.0 ppg and 3.2 apg) are the team’s other key contributors. They’re in a better spot compared to last year but definitely has more work to do resume-wise to make the NCAA Tournament.
What they definitely can’t afford to do is suffer a bad loss at the end of the non-con slate. That’s what their next opponent, Winthrop (10-4), with attempt to do. The Eagles are consistently one of the top teams in the Big South and under Coach Mark Prosser, has a fast-paced offensive system that can score points.
During the season, Winthrop is in the top 20 nationally at 86.2 ppg. They have four seniors averaging in double figures, including forwards Kelton Talford (14.9 ppg and 8.0 rpg) and KJ Doucet (14.0 ppg). They’re not the greatest shooting team but the Eagles are No. 1 in the nation at getting to the free throw line, averaging 32 attempts a game.
Indiana has solid depth but if Winthrop can get their key pieces in foul trouble, that’ll make things interesting. But the lack of size and natural shooting ability will hurt their chances at getting the road upset. Look for this to be a closer call, but the Hoosiers find a way to prevail.
Prediction: Indiana 74, Winthrop 63
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