The MSU men's basketball team's quest for its first conference road win continues Saturday when it ventures to Indiana to take on the struggling Hoosiers.
The Spartans have failed in four previous tasks to bring home a conference road win. And on the season, MSU is only 2-7 outside of Breslin Center.
But playing against the Hoosiers in Assembly Hall might not be the most favorable situation. The Spartans (12-8 overall, 4-4 Big Ten) are 9-38 all-time when playing in Bloomington, Ind., including losses in nine of its last 10 games.
Indiana's 2002-03 home record doesn't make a win seem easier for MSU. The Hoosiers are a perfect 8-0 in Assembly Hall this year, including a 4-0 mark in conference play.
When asked where the toughest place to play in the Big Ten is, senior forward Adam Ballinger didn't have to hesitate with his response.
"IU, definitely IU," he said. "The way it is set up with the big walls on both sides. It seems like when you look in the stands, everyone has a red or white shirt on. It's just a tough environment to play in."
The Hoosiers (14-7, 4-4) are also seeking retribution from their 61-54 loss to the Spartans on Jan. 28.
But recent history may be on the Spartans side. MSU has won two straight games over top-20 teams, while has Indiana has been in a funk.
Indiana has lost four straight games after starting 14-3, and being ranked as high as sixth in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. But the stretch of four straight road games for the Hoosiers proved too tough.
Indiana lost to Purdue, MSU, No. 6 Louisville and Northwestern - a team the Hoosiers hadn't lost to since January 1988.
Senior forward Aloysius Anagonye said Indiana's losses just show playing on the road is difficult, regardless of the teams.
"The Big Ten has one of the best home court advantages in the country," Anagonye said. "Every time you go into an arena, you can't focus on the fans or anything. Teams are like 'home sweet home' because playing at home is a big advantage."
But the game won't solely come down to the home court. The Spartans believe the key will be playing well on the defensive end.
The Spartans' defense has been a monster for the opposition, allowing 53 points per contest in the last four games. It has also held the opponents main scoring weapon in check, most recently, holding Fighting Illini forward Brian Cook to 13 points (20.6 average) in MSU's 68-65 win Sunday.
Offensively, the Spartans have been clicking as well. MSU is shooting 46.3 percent from the field, including 37.5 percent behind the three-point line.
But sophomore guard Chris Hill said it will come down to controlling two of MSU's familiar nemeses.
"Turnovers and free throws will be two of the keys to the game," he said. "And if we do those two things we'll have a pretty good chance to win."
