Indiana gets to be the last Big Ten team to visit the West Coast since the conference expanded to 18 teams.
But a couple of Hoosiers already are familiar with the Pacific Northwest, where Indiana plays Washington on Saturday in Seattle and Oregon on Tuesday. Center Oumar Ballo began his career at Gonzaga and guard Myles Rice was the Pac-12’s freshman of the year last season at Washington State.
The Hoosiers (17-11, 8-9 Big Ten) have won three of their last four games to establish residence on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Indiana rallied for an 83-78 victory Wednesday against visiting Penn State on Wednesday, which came after wins over ranked foes Michigan State and Purdue.
“I think we’re coming together and we know we’re a better team than we’ve shown,” Indiana senior guard Trey Galloway said. “And we still have a chance and we’re fighting for a spot in the tournament.”
Ballo leads the Hoosiers with 13.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Forward Malik Reneau, who is second on the team in scoring (12.8 ppg), was hospitalized with an illness and missed Wednesday’s victory. His status for Saturday’s game is uncertain.
“He was fine in shootaround. Then he came down with something,” Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson said. “So I don’t know where we are with Malik right now. But the sooner he can get back, the better.”
The Huskies (13-15, 4-13) have lost three in a row to drop into last place in the 18-team conference and must win at least two of their final three games to have a chance to make the Big Ten tournament. Fifteen teams will compete in the conference tourney in Indianapolis.
Washington lost 88-62 Tuesday at No. 11 Wisconsin as Great Osobor was the only Husky to reach double digits with 11 points.
“There’s a great Bear Bryant quote,” said Huskies coach Danny Sprinkle, referencing the late Alabama football coach. “You never know what kind of horse you got until you hook them to a heavy load. I told our guys, âYour load is heavy.’
“We’re going to find out what we’re made of and I’m excited to see what we’re made of, too. I expect us to play really well.”
