Hoosiers Look to Rebound at Wisconsin After Tough Rivalry Loss

The Indiana Hoosiers fought hard but couldn’t hang on in the final minutes against No. 7 Purdue, falling 81-76 in West Lafayette on Friday night.

Despite holding a seven-point lead in the first half, the Hoosiers (14-8, 5-6 Big Ten) struggled with turnovers (20 total), leading to 26 points for Purdue. Mackenzie Mgbako shined with 25 points, while Trey Galloway (15 points) and Oumar Ballo (14 points, 8 rebounds) kept IU in the fight until the final moments.

Now, Indiana shifts its focus to another tough road test, traveling to Madison tonight to face No. 21 Wisconsin. The Badgers (17-5, 7-4 Big Ten) have been dominant at home (11-1 record) and are led by John Tonje, who exploded for 27 points in their last outing.

The Hoosiers need to limit turnovers and control the paint if they want to snap their three-game losing streak and build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the Big Ten season.

Tipoff is set for 9 PM EST, with Indiana looking to bounce back and make a statement in one of college basketball’s toughest road environments.