In a thrilling matchup on March 8, 2025, the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team triumphed over the Ohio State Buckeyes, finishing with a score of 66-60. This game was especially significant as it marked the last home game for Indiana’s coach, Mike Woodson, making the victory even sweeter for both the players and the fans at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. The win solidifies Indiana’s position as the 9-seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament, where they will face Oregon.
Game Highlights
This game was filled with excitement and drama. The Hoosiers battled back from a deficit in the second half, with a strong performance from Trey Galloway and Malik Reneau, who each scored 16 points. Indiana shot 35% from the field, while Ohio State managed to shoot 38%. However, the Buckeyes faced a challenging situation, as they only managed to score 11 points in the crucial final nine minutes of the game.
Ohio State’s Struggles
Despite leading by double digits earlier in the game, Ohio State’s performance faltered. They struggled significantly in the closing minutes and shot only 2-of-15 from the field during this pivotal stretch. This loss raises concerns for the Buckeyes as they look ahead to the Big Ten tournament, now needing multiple victories to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Players
- Malik Reneau: Contributed valuable points, scoring 16 and making critical free throws that helped secure the lead late in the game.
- Trey Galloway: Matched Reneau’s output with 16 points of his own, demonstrating strong offensive skills throughout the game.
- Micah Parrish and Devin Royal: Led Ohio State with 19 and 13 points respectively, but needed more support from their teammates to maintain the lead.
Coaching Farewell
This game was not just about the score; it was a heartfelt farewell for Coach Mike Woodson. After the win, Woodson shared his thoughts, saying, “Maybe I’m leaving too soon,” reflecting on his connection with the team and the fans. His leadership has been crucial to Indiana’s journey, and this emotional win is a testament to his impact on the players.
Looking Ahead
With Indiana securing the 9-seed, they are set to challenge the 8-seed Oregon in the Big Ten tournament. After a dramatic finish to their regular season, Indiana is looking to carry this momentum into the tournament and continue their journey toward NCAA tournament glory. Meanwhile, Ohio State must regroup quickly, focusing on their strategy for the upcoming games where every point counts.
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 29 | 31 | 60 |
| Indiana | 25 | 41 | 66 |
Broadcast Information
The game was broadcast live on CBS and was also available for streaming on Fubo. Fans could catch live commentary on SiriusXM channel 380 and the Varsity Network. As the excitement builds for the Big Ten tournament, the focus now turns to how Indiana can maintain their winning streak and how Ohio State will fight for their tournament life.
