Preview: Indiana Hoosiers at Southern California Trojans

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — Two teams riding the momentum of dramatic conference victories will meet Tuesday night when the Indiana Hoosiers visit the Southern California Trojans in a pivotal Big Ten matchup at Galen Center.

The Hoosiers (15-7) arrive fresh off a marathon 98-97 double-overtime road win at UCLA last Saturday, a victory that snapped a three-game skid. Indiana showcased its offensive firepower in that thriller, with Reed Bailey scoring 24 points, Nick Dorn adding 26 and Lamar Wilkerson contributing 24. Bailey, a key player to watch, is coming off his most complete performance of the season, having also dished five assists.

Southern California (16-6) is also buoyed by a tight home win, having edged Rutgers 78-75 on the same day. The Trojans have won two of their last three, relying heavily on forward Ezra Ausar, who poured in 21 points against the Scarlet Knights. Ausar has been a consistent scoring threat, reaching double figures in seven of his last eight contests.

This contest presents a contrast in recent trajectories. Indiana’s win at UCLA was a high-scoring anomaly during a stretch where its defense has struggled, allowing an average of 78.2 points in its previous five games before the UCLA outing. Southern California has found a rhythm in close games, with its last three decided by a total of seven points.

The game will hinge on which team can impose its style. Indiana will look to push the pace behind Bailey and capitalize on its proven ability to score in bunches. Southern California will aim to control the tempo through Ausar’s interior presence and a defense that has been more consistent in conference play.

Tuesday’s result will carry significant weight for the conference standings as both teams jockey for postseason positioning. For Indiana, it’s a chance to build its first winning streak in nearly a month. For the Trojans, protecting their home court is essential as they navigate a challenging February schedule.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST at Galen Center. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.