Indiana’s Final Stand: Mike Woodson’s Last Dance
Indiana coach Mike Woodson is in the unique position of potentially leading the Hoosiers to the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament in what will be his final year with the school. On February 7, Indiana announced that Woodson would not return as head coach next season, a decision that initially cast a shadow over the team’s prospects. However, the Hoosiers have shown remarkable resilience, upsetting powerhouse teams like Michigan State and Purdue in the weeks that followed. With a current record of 19-12 (10-10 in the Big Ten), Indiana is now on the cusp of making the Big Dance, a feat that seemed less certain just a few weeks ago. A pivotal 66-60 victory against Ohio State on Saturday further bolstered their chances, and the Hoosiers are now looking to make a strong showing at the Big Ten tournament, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
A Closer Look at Indiana and the Big Ten Tournament
Indiana is poised to be the No. 9 seed in the Big Ten tournament, a position that reflects their mid-tier standing in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences. The Hoosiers have a history of making deep runs in the tournament, advancing to the semifinals in 2022 and 2023 under Woodson’s leadership. However, they fell short in the quarterfinals last season, suffering a 93-66 blowout loss to Nebraska. Despite this setback, Indiana has never won the Big Ten tournament and has only reached the championship game once, in 2001, where they narrowly lost to Iowa 63-61. This year, the Hoosiers will need to navigate a challenging bracket to secure an NCAA tournament bid, but their recent performances suggest they are more than capable of making a run.
Indiana’s Strength of Victory: Key Wins and Statistics
Indiana’s chances of making the NCAA tournament are bolstered by their impressive KenPom ranking of No. 46 and a NET ranking of No. 55, both of which are crucial metrics for the selection committee. The Hoosiers’ 4-11 record against Quad 1 opponents is a mixed bag, but their recent victories over Michigan State and Purdue stand out as significant resume boosters. The 71-67 win at Michigan State on February 11 and the 73-58 home victory against Purdue on February 23 are the two best wins on Indiana’s season slate. Additionally, the Hoosiers’ 77-76 win over Ohio State on January 17 and their recent 66-60 victory in the rematch have further solidified their case. These wins demonstrate that Indiana can compete with top-tier teams and have the potential to surprise in the Big Ten tournament.
Indiana’s Weak Spots: Areas of Concern
Despite their recent success, Indiana has several weak spots that could be concerning as they head into the Big Ten tournament. From January 11 to February 8, the Hoosiers lost seven of eight games, including a 70-67 home loss to Michigan, which prompted the announcement of Woodson’s departure. This losing streak left Indiana with a 2-5 record against ranked teams, and their NET ranking is on par with teams like Northwestern (No. 55) and Nebraska (No. 56). The Hoosiers also lost to both Northwestern and Nebraska during the regular season, raising questions about their tournament credentials. These losses highlight the need for Indiana to prove their mettle in the upcoming Big Ten tournament, where a strong performance could alleviate some of these concerns and solidify their place in the NCAA field.
Indiana’s Quadrant Record: A Balanced Resume
Indiana’s quadrant record provides a balanced view of their season, with strengths and weaknesses across different levels of competition. In Quad 1, the Hoosiers are 4-12, reflecting their struggle against the toughest opponents. However, they have a perfect 4-0 record in Quad 2, demonstrating their ability to handle mid-tier competition. In Quad 3, Indiana is 6-0, and they are also 4-0 in Quad 4, showing consistency against lower-ranked opponents. This record, combined with their recent high-profile wins, gives Indiana a strong case for inclusion in the NCAA tournament, but they will need to continue to perform well to secure their spot.
Will Indiana Make the NCAA Tournament?
As the Big Ten tournament approaches, Indiana is positioned to make the NCAA tournament, but they still have work to do. Sporting News has included the Hoosiers in its Last Four In on the latest version of its NCAA Tournament bracket predictions. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology places Indiana in the Last Four Byes, indicating that they are safe heading into the final weekend. CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm has the Hoosiers as a No. 10 seed, further suggesting their strong position. However, to ensure their place in the 68-team field, Indiana will need to win at least one game in the Big Ten tournament. Their late-season run has been impressive, and with a solid showing in Indianapolis, the Hoosiers have a good chance of making the NCAA tournament and giving Coach Woodson a fitting final chapter in his Indiana tenure.
