The set-up: Indiana opened its season by upsetting Kansas in OT and after a 3-0 start, found themselves ranked No. 3 in the nation. However, the Hoosiers did stay near the top of the polls for long, as they are currently 14-7 overall and just 4-4 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, after getting off to a 1-2 start in Big Ten play, Northwestern has reeled off five straight wins to close to within one game lead of the conference lead at 6-2. The Wildcats are 17-4 overall and the lone school from a Power-5 conference to have never made an NCAA tourney appearance, just may be 'dancing' come March of 2017!
Indiana: The Hoosiers brought a 10-2 mark into their Dec. 28 Big Ten opener but have since gone 4-5 and adding insult to injury, lost forward Anunoby (11.1 & 5.4) to a season-ending knee injury on Jan. 18 Guard James Blackmon Jr. leads the team at 17.6 PPG but had only four points against Michigan on Wednesday, snapping a 22-game double-digit scoring streak. Again, adding insult to injury, he sustained an injury to his lower left leg and is without a timetable for return. Guard Robert Johnson (14.0 & 4.4) and 6-10 center Thomas Bryant (11.9 & 6.7) also are averaging double figures, with Bryant leading the team in rebounding.

Northwestern: The Wildcats' 73-61 win over Nebraska on Thursday gave the program five straight Big Ten victories for the first time since 1966. The Wildcats' 6-2 conference mark is also the program's best Big Ten start since 1943-44. Leading scorer Scottie Lindsey (15.6 points) was hampered by back spasms on Thursday and finished with only five points, his first game with single digits this season. However, center Dererk Pardon (19 points and a career-high 22 rebounds) and Law (20 points) more than picked up the slack. The 6-7 Law (14.3 & 5.7) and PG Bryant McIntosh (12.4 & 5.6 APG) also are averaging double digits on the season, while center Pardon checks in at 8.7 & 8.7. However, it's been the Wildcats' defensive prowess that has been more impressive as they rank second in the Big Ten in points allowed (64.1) while leading the league in field-goal percentage defense (38.6).

The pick: Northwestern will need its defense against Indiana, which averages 83.0 PPG (No. 1 in the Big Ten) and connects on 49.9 percent of its shots (9th-best in the nation). Yes, Indiana isn't fully healthy but Northwestern as around a 'TD' favorite over Indiana (in HOOPS!) just doesn't seem right. Make Indiana an 8* play