Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Marquette – key storyline, injury report, how to watch

 Indiana basketball continues its 126th season of competition in men’s basketball with a non-conference showdown against Marquette at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the United Center in Chicago. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander on the call. 

Marquette is led by fifth-year head coach Shaka Smart. The Golden Eagles have appeared in the NCAA Tournament in all four seasons under Smart and made the Sweet 16 in 2023-24. Smart’s team is led by senior guard Chase Ross. He has poured in 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per contest in the early stages of the season. Junior guard Zaide Lowery adds 12.5 points per night, while senior forward Ben Gold pulls down a team-best 8.5 rebounds per game. Redshirt junior guard Sean Jones, who has returned from a season-ending knee injury a year ago, has posted 9.0 points and 4.5 assists a night. He missed nearly 22 months of game action.

(On3+): Inside The Matchup: Getting to know Marquette

Key Question

An early season test for Indiana basketball

The Indiana basketball season has officially kicked off and the Hoosiers are 1-0 to start the year and the Darian DeVries era. On Wednesday night, the Hoosiers took care of a lesser opponent but things now are going to quickly get harder in their second game.

Indiana basketball will face Marquette in Chicago later this afternoon and will face a team that will provide a better challenge and test for them. Other than the Baylor exhibition, Indiana basketball has not faced the toughest of contrition yet.

In a neutral environment, both Indiana and Marquette have a chance to play against a team that matches up to them better. For Indiana specifically, this the first of four of their bigger non-conference games this season so they have a chance to get a nice quality win under the belt early.

You will find out more about this Indiana basketball in this game than you did vs Alabama A&M.

(On3+): Indiana vs Marquette: Front court play set up to be X-factor in matchup

Matchup History

Indiana holds an 8-2 advantage in the brief 10-game series against Marquette. The sides have met three previous times on a neutral floor but will square off in Chicago for the first time. 

U toppled MU by a score of 65-56 in the Elite 8 during the historic run through the 1975-76 season that culminated in the nation’s last undefeated national champion. This season marks the 50th anniversary of the achievement. 

The Hoosiers captured a 96-73 victory over the Golden Eagles in the last matchup between the two programs in the Gavitt Games. Future NBA Draft lottery selection Romeo Langford tallied 22 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in the game, his third collegiate start. 

Darian DeVries era begins with father-son milestones, record win

Injury Report

Nick Dorn – Dorn missed most of the summer and started to get back to going in fall practices. It has been a steady climb back for him with him recently being able to go full contact in practice. He did warm up with the team vs Alabama A&M and dressed however he did not play. He is questionable vs Marquette.

Josh Harris – Harris recently sustained an ankle/foot injury that has sidelined him most of the fall. Darian DeVries stated on his radio show that he “will be out for awhile.”

Jason Drake – The transfer guard from Drexel has missed nearly all the offseason for Indiana basketball with a lower body injury. It is unclear at this time how much longer he will be out but all signs point to it being at least the first month of play.

Aleksa Ristic – Ristic developed a lower body injury in the fall which forced him to miss some time with Indiana basketball. It is unclear how long he will be out.

Highlighted by 3s, Indiana’s ‘philosophy’ on display in high-powered, efficient opening win: ‘Play fast and really trust their instincts’

Quick Hitters

Who? Indiana basketball (1-0) vs Marquette (1-0)

When? Sunday, Nov. 9 | 1:00 p.m. ET

Where? United Center • Chicago, Ill.

TV: ESPN (Dave O’Brien, Cory Alexander)

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

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