Indiana vs. Ohio State: How to Watch, Odds & Prediction – March 7, 2026

Indiana Faces Tough Test at Ohio State in Crucial Big Ten Matchup

Columbus, OH – Saturday, March 7, 2026 – The Indiana Hoosiers (18-12, 9-10 Big Ten) travel to Value City Arena to face the Ohio State Buckeyes (19-11, 11-8 Big Ten) in a pivotal conference clash with significant NCAA Tournament implications. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET.

Both teams are battling for improved seeding and tournament positioning as Selection Sunday approaches. The game marks a regular-season finale for both programs, adding to the high stakes. Indiana is seeking its sixth consecutive victory over Ohio State, having won the last five meetings between the two teams. Four of those five wins have been decided by single digits, suggesting a closely contested affair is likely.

The Buckeyes currently hold a 4.5-point advantage in the spread, according to several sportsbooks, including BetMGM. The over/under is set at 148.5 points.

Recent form suggests a tight contest. Indiana snapped a four-game losing streak with a dominant 77-47 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Ohio State, meanwhile, has bolstered its tournament resume with recent wins over Purdue and Penn State.

Analysts at Winners and Whiners are leaning towards Ohio State, predicting a 75-69 victory for the Buckeyes. They recommend a spread bet on Ohio State -4.5 and suggest taking the under on a total of 148.5 points. Predictem.com also favors Ohio State, citing the Buckeyes’ balanced lineup and strong perimeter defense.

A key matchup to watch will be Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton against the Indiana defense. Thornton has the opportunity to become his program’s all-time leading scorer in the game, but has struggled against Indiana in the past, going 0-5 in his career against the Hoosiers.

The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with Gus Johnson and Jim Johnson on the call. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo and listen via the IU Radio Network.

Indiana’s adjusted net rating is +19.3, while Ohio State’s is +20.5, a relatively small difference. However, Indiana boasts a stronger adjusted defense (#46 nationally) compared to Ohio State (#66). Ohio State’s offense is ranked higher at #16, while Indiana is #34.

The series history heavily favors Indiana, with the Hoosiers leading 114-88. Their last meeting took place on March 8, 2025, with Indiana securing a 66-60 victory in Columbus.

Both teams play at a relatively slow pace, with Indiana averaging 65.0 possessions per game and Ohio State at 64.9. KenPom projects 65 possessions and a total score of 146 points, suggesting the market’s total of 148.5 is slightly elevated.

The outcome of this game could significantly impact both teams’ NCAA Tournament chances, making it a must-watch for college basketball fans.

Indiana Basketball Schedule (through March 7, 2026):