Indiana Basketball Hosts Struggling Oregon Squad

Hoosiers look to avoid potential 'bad loss' against Ducks

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Indiana basketball continues Big Ten play on Monday night as they host the struggling Oregon Ducks at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers, firmly on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble, are looking to protect their home court against an Oregon team that has just one conference win this season. Indiana will need to take care of business against the Ducks, as a loss would do more damage to their resume than a win would help.

Why it matters

This game represents Indiana's last true opportunity for a 'bad loss' on their resume. The Hoosiers have done a great job avoiding such losses so far this season, and they'll need to continue that trend against an Oregon squad that is one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. A loss to the Ducks would be a significant setback for Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes.

The details

Oregon is led by senior center Nate Bittle, who is averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Junior forward Kwame Evans Jr. (13.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and senior guard Takai Simpkins (12.6 ppg, 40 3PM) also provide scoring punch for the Ducks. However, Oregon has struggled mightily in Big Ten play, winning just one conference game so far this season.

  • Indiana and Oregon will meet for the third time as Big Ten opponents on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

The players

Nate Bittle

Oregon's senior center is averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season.

Kwame Evans Jr.

The junior forward is posting 13.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Ducks.

Takai Simpkins

The senior guard is Oregon's third-leading scorer at 12.6 points per game and has made a team-high 40 3-pointers.

Jackson Shelstead

Indiana's All-Big Ten guard has been limited to just 12 games this season and has not played since December 28th.

Darian DeVries

The Indiana head coach previously served as a graduate manager and assistant coach under Oregon head coach Dana Altman at Creighton.

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What’s next

If the Hoosiers are able to defeat Oregon, they will have avoided a potential 'bad loss' on their NCAA Tournament resume. Their next challenge will be continuing to build their resume with quality wins as they navigate the remainder of the Big Ten schedule.

The takeaway

This game represents a critical opportunity for Indiana to protect their home court and avoid a damaging loss to one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. A win would keep the Hoosiers firmly on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble, while a loss could significantly hurt their postseason prospects.