Indiana Faces No. 13 Michigan State in Crucial Big Ten Matchup

Hoosiers need a win to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Indiana (17-11, 8-9) hosts No. 13 Michigan State in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The Hoosiers are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Northwestern earlier this week, while the Spartans are coming off a win at Purdue. Both teams are fighting for position in the crowded Big Ten standings as the regular season winds down.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes. The Hoosiers are currently on the bubble and need a signature win over a ranked opponent like Michigan State to bolster their resume. A loss would be a significant setback in their quest to make the Big Dance.

The details

Indiana will be without injured players Jason Drake and Josh Harris, who have been out all season. Michigan State has no new injuries to report. The Hoosiers are desperate for a win after dropping 4 of their last 6 games, while the Spartans have found their footing after the injury to Divine Ugochukwu.

  • The game tips off at 3:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Indiana is coming off a 72-68 loss to Northwestern on Tuesday, February 24.

The players

Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana men's basketball team, competing in the Big Ten Conference.

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State men's basketball team, ranked No. 13 in the nation and competing in the Big Ten Conference.

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The takeaway

This game is a crucial test for Indiana as they look to solidify their NCAA Tournament hopes. A win over the ranked Spartans would be a major boost, while a loss would be a significant setback. The Hoosiers will need to find a way to win without key injured players to keep their postseason dreams alive.