The IU men's basketball team (10-9, 1-5) looks to get back on the winning track when it takes on Iowa (7-11, 0-6) in a Sunday afternoon matchup (3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network).
History
In the lean years since Tom Crean first took over as the head coach, the Hawkeyes have been the team fans have circled as an easy win. But it hasn't exactly shaken out that way for the Hoosiers.
IU has lost three of its last four matchups with Iowa, including both contests last season. The Hoosiers averaged just 50 points per contest last season and have margins of defeat of 15 and 16 points.
IU leads the all-time series in dominant fashion, though, 94-71.
Player to watch - IU: Victor Oladipo, freshman guard
After going through a five-game stretch in which he played at least 20 minutes, Oladipo has now played fewer than that in two straight games. He played just 13 minutes (two points, one rebound) in the victory against Michigan and 15 minutes (three points, one rebound) in Thursday's loss to Wisconsin.
Following a loss at Northwestern, Crean said he couldn't afford to not have Oladipo and fellow freshman Will Sheehey on the floor, but neither has played more than 15 minutes in the past two games.
In a game many expect IU to win, getting Oladipo his confidence and swagger back could be essential to building a winning streak.
Player to watch - Iowa: Matt Gatens, junior guard
The Hawkeyes rank ninth in the Big Ten in scoring offense at just 68 points per game, so offensive star power is few and far between at Iowa. But if there were one guy the IU defense needs to keep a watchful eye on, it would be Gatens.
The Hoosiers did a good job with that in the first meeting between the two teams, holding him to just seven points. The second game, though, was a completely different story.
Gatens went 8-of-14 from the field and scored a game-high 25 points and outscored six IU scorers combined in the 73-57 victory.
Iowa also ranks ninth in the conference in scoring defense this season, so holding IU to just 50 points seems unlikely. If the Hoosiers can limit Gatens, it would make getting their second Big Ten win much easier.
Numbers game - 18
Average points scored last year against Iowa by junior guard Verdell Jones, far and away the highest. Jones is averaging 12.9 points per game this season.
What they're saying: IU coach Tom Crean
"Last year, I thought Iowa imposed their will on us physically as well as any team we played. We can not allow that to happen. Our intensity and concentration has to be at its best."
