Heading into this game, the Spartans remain undefeated at home after a thrilling win over Oregon on Saturday, flipping their intensity and efficiency in the second half after trailing by 14 at the break. Indiana, led by head coach Mike Woodson, who recently announced he’s retiring, is currently in a slump, having lost five games in a row and six of its last seven games. The Hoosiers are 2-5 in away games. 

Indiana’s key players are center Oumar Ballo and forward Malik Reneau. Ballo averages 13.7 points, 9.6 rebounds (second in the Big Ten), and over two assists in 30 minutes per game. Most recently, however, he was held by Michigan on Saturday, garnering only six points and four rebounds. In January, he recorded nine straight games with double-digit points and at least seven rebounds in each of those games. Reneau put up 16 points and dished out five assists against Michigan, marking his second game this season with five assists.

Over the last four games, including the two losses in Los Angeles, junior center Carson Cooper has been one of MSU’s most efficient players. Cooper has totaled 30 points and 29 rebounds since MSU’s win over Minnesota, playing a key role in comeback efforts and late-game situations.

“He’s made a big difference in our team,” Izzo said on Monday. 

In MSU’s match against Indiana, Cooper and the other bigs, including Booker who is good to play after an illness last week, will have their work cut out for them. Izzo said this game will be a “big test for our bigs in a lot of ways.”

MSU has excelled in rebounding and scoring in the paint. The Spartans average over 40 rebounds per game, holding a 10-rebound advantage over opponents.

From the past four games, MSU has outrebounded its opponents by a combined 50 rebounds. The Spartans have only been outrebounded twice this season, against Kansas by four rebounds and Illinois by one rebound. Points in the paint have helped MSU top teams such as Minnesota and Oregon, and have helped keep the Spartans close in losses against USC and UCLA. From the past four games, MSU has scored 118 of its 284 points in the paint.

Izzo said Indiana will be “motivated to win,” most notably to break MSU’s home win streak and prevent Izzo from breaking Knight’s record. That is why Izzo said the Spartans will have to learn from the adversity they have faced this season.

“It’s humbling to even talk about,” Izzo said. “It’ll be an honor and privilege if that day comes. It’s already an honor and privilege that I came to tie someone like that.”

MSU and Indiana tip off at 9 p.m. on Tuesday at Breslin Center, with coverage on Peacock.