Indiana vs. Wyoming line, prediction: Hoosiers’ physicality gets it done

TruTV may have no drawback drawing eyeballs to this titillating First 4 showdown on Tuesday. It’s perennial energy meets data-driven darling, people!

Indiana snaps what felt like a endless six-year NCAA Match drought with an look in Dayton. After a blistering run by the Massive Ten Match, spoiled by Jordan Bohannon’s buzzer-beating heave, the Hoosiers thought they'd performed their method safely to the sphere.

On the opposite aspect, Wyoming coach Jeff Linder and his analytic acumen are kind of simply thrilled to be right here. Wyoming notched its first at-large berth since 2002, a testomony to the astonishing job Linder did in his second 12 months on the helm. Regardless of dropping 5 of their last 9 video games, the Cowboys’ physique of labor impressed the committee sufficient to safe a spot within the discipline.

Race Thompson is the X factor in Indiana's First Four game versus Wyoming.
Race Thompson is the X consider Indiana’s First 4 sport versus Wyoming.
AP

The X issue on this matchup is Indiana’s Race Thompson. His defensive versatility is paramount, particularly as a possible neutralizer to Hunter Maldonado. Thompson is agile sufficient to chase Maldonado across the perimeter, however, above all, he’s an imposing presence within the submit, able to deterring the Maldonado backdown.

On paper, Indiana’s inherent strengths are well-suited to defend Wyoming’s bread and butter. Nevertheless, the Hoosiers have proven a propensity to lose shooters on the perimeter at occasions this 12 months, too. These precise warts reappeared in Iowa’s livid comeback within the Massive Ten semifinals, because the Hawkeyes’ pristine ball motion ripped Indiana’s perimeter protection to shreds late within the sport. Dropping shooters shouldn't be a recipe for achievement in opposition to Wyoming.

Wyoming coach Jeff Linder will look to make things difficult for Indiana.
Wyoming coach Jeff Linder will look to make issues troublesome for Indiana.
Getty Pictures

Linder’s tactical brilliance will power Indiana coach Mike Woodson to make some powerful choices, however the Hoosiers’ innate DNA — inside physicality and toughness — ought to give them the higher hand from the soar.

The play: Indiana, -3.5.

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