The last time these two teams met, Indiana put on a clinic, reaching triple digits, setting a school record for threes made (19), and featured Thomas Bryant auditioning for the Hunger Games. The Hoosiers won by 34.
But that game was in Assembly Hall.
This game is in a venue that has never ever been known as Assembly Hall, no sir. And IU has lost 11 out of their last 13 in the building - though they did win here last year thanks to a furious late-game comeback.
Oh yeah, and RoJo's out. Expect Illinois natives Nick Zeisloft and Harrison Niego to step up in his place.
THE ESSENTIALS
Who? Indiana Hoosiers (22-6 (12-3), #18 KenPom) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (12-15 (4-10), #124 KenPom)
When? Thursday, February 25th, 9:00 PM, ESPN
Vegas? Indiana -7.5
Pomeroy? INDIANA by 7, 73% chance of Indiana victory
Oh yeah, and ESPN's gonna do some gimmick again. And you know already how we feel about their college hoops coverage.
So if that's not your cup of tea, here's Fisch:
Also I kid you not this is on our homepage right now.:
So go get your hot chicken and enjoy some hoops.