Hoosiers Seek to End Skid Against Scarlet Knights in Piscataway
PISCATAWAY, N.J., January 23, 2026 – The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team, mired in a four-game losing streak, travels to Jersey Mike’s Arena on Friday night to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a pivotal Big Ten Conference matchup. Both teams are looking to regain footing in the league standings, with Indiana sitting at 12-7 (3-5 Big Ten) and Rutgers at 9-10 (2-6 Big Ten).
Teams Heading in Opposite Directions
Indiana’s recent slide has been brutal, featuring losses to three teams currently ranked in the AP Top 10: Nebraska, Michigan State, and Michigan. Their most recent outing was an 86-72 defeat at No. 3 Michigan on January 20, where a 25-point deficit proved too large to overcome despite a stronger second-half shooting performance. The Hoosiers have struggled defensively and on the boards during the skid.
Rutgers is also coming off a loss, falling 68-62 at Iowa on Tuesday. The Scarlet Knights have shown resilience at home in conference play, however, securing overtime victories against Oregon and Northwestern at Jersey Mike’s Arena earlier this month. Both of those wins were fueled by 30-point explosions from junior guard Tariq Francis.
Key Facts & Matchup Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Time & Broadcast | Friday, January 23, 6:00 PM ET on FS1 |
| Location | Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, N.J. |
| Series History | Tied 9-9. Indiana won the last meeting, 84-74, on Jan. 2, 2025. |
| Indiana Key Player | Tucker DeVries (14.2 PPG). Scored 15 points, all in second half, at Michigan. |
| Rutgers Key Player | Tariq Francis (15.3 PPG). Leads team in scoring, averaging 19.2 PPG over last five games. |
| Major Injury Watch | IU PG Tayton Conerway (ankle) is questionable. RU C Baye Fall (hand) is out. |
Scouting the Opposition
For Indiana, stopping Tariq Francis will be paramount. The NJIT transfer has embraced a sixth-man role and is the engine of the Scarlet Knights’ offense, boasting a high usage rate in conference play. Forward Dylan Grant (11.5 PPG) provides secondary scoring, though he has struggled recently. Rutgers thrives on physicality, offensive rebounding led by Emmanuel Ogbole, and creating extra possessions.
Rutgers must contend with an Indiana squad desperate for a win. The Hoosiers are led by the scoring of Lamar Wilkerson (19.0 PPG) and Tucker DeVries, with point guard play from Conor Enright. Indiana’s ability to defend without fouling and keep Rutgers off the offensive glass will be critical to ending their road woes under first-year coach Darian DeVries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is the Indiana vs. Rutgers game on?
The game will be televised nationally on FS1, with coverage beginning at 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, January 23.
What is at stake for Indiana in this game?
This is viewed as a must-win for the Hoosiers to stop their four-game losing streak and avoid falling further in the congested middle of the Big Ten standings. A loss would make their path to the NCAA Tournament significantly more difficult.
How has Rutgers performed at home this season?
Rutgers is 8-3 at Jersey Mike’s Arena this season and 2-0 at home in Big Ten play, with both victories coming in overtime. They have shown a distinct ability to raise their level of play in front of their home crowd.