Indiana vs Ohio State Prediction 3/7/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes will meet on Saturday evening in a Big Ten Conference matchup at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter Saturday’s contest with a 19–11 win‑loss record, including a 11–8 mark in conference play and a rather impressive 13-1 record at home. The Buckeyes have compiled wins over Penn State, Wisconsin, Appalachian State, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Mount St. Mary’s, and Purdue, while dropping games to Pittsburgh, Iowa and the Michigan State Spartans.

In the Ohio State Buckeyes 86–82 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats earlier this season, Ohio State forward Brandon Noel tallied 29 points on 13 of 15 shooting from the field illustrating his ability to lead the Buckeyes offense.

The Ohio State Buckeyes average 80.1 points on 49.2 percent shooting from the field (24th in country) and 34.3 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Buckeyes are allowing opponents 72.8 points per contest.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton leads the Ohio State Buckeyes backcourt averaging 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior forward Brandon Noel adds 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game, while freshman guard John Mobley Jr. contributes 15.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

Indiana Hoosiers Betting Preview

The Indiana Hoosiers enter Saturday’s contest with an 18–12 overall record, including a 9–10 mark in conference play and a dreadful 3–7 record on the road. The Hoosiers have amassed wins over Maryland, Washington, Chicago State and the Penn State Nittany Lions, while dropping games to Minnesota, Louisville and the Kentucky Wildcats.

Earlier this season, in the Indiana Hoosiers convincing 84–66 win over the Maryland Terrapins, Indiana guard Lamar Wilkerson tallied 24 points (9 of 17 shooting from the field), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Hoosiers backcourt.

The Indiana Hoosiers average 78.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Hoosiers are allowing opponents 71.5 points per contest.

Senior guard Lamar Wilkerson has been a standout performer for the Indiana Hoosiers averaging 21.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1 steal on 46.6 percent shooting from the field per game. Senior guard Tayton Conerway is averaging 9.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. Senior forward Tucker Devries leads the frontcourt averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Offensive edge. The Ohio State Buckeyes average 80.1 points on 49.2 percent shooting from the field (24th in country) per game. Conversely, the Indiana Hoosiers average 78.7 points per contest.

• Balanced roster. Thornton, Noel, and Mobley Jr. provide scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability.

• Quality guard play. Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. combine for over 36 points per game.

• Home court edge. The Ohio State Buckeyes have amassed a robust 13-1 record at home this season.

Why the Indiana Hoosiers will win

•             Backcourt scoring. Guard Lamar Wilkerson leads the Indiana Hoosiers in the scoring department averaging 21.1 points per game.

•             Momentum. The Indiana Hoosiers arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a dominant defeat of the Minnesota Golden Gophers 77-47.

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction

Ohio State’s current form, quality defense and home court advantage give the Buckeyes the more stable path to victory in this matchup. Indiana’s inconsistency on the road (3-7) and recent struggles in conference play make it difficult to trust the Hoosiers against a physical Ohio State team that has been far better at home relative to on the road. With that said, I am backing the Ohio State Buckeyes to cover the 4.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Ohio State -4.5