COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Indiana has already shown early-season rhythm at home, putting up 91 points in its opener while shooting 50.0% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 75.0% at the free throw line. The Hoosiers also forced 22 turnovers and controlled the glass with a 34-26 rebound edge, a sign that the roster’s pace, shot creation, and defensive pressure can translate well against a lower-tier opponent. Bellarmine’s profile from last season and its opener point in the same direction: the Knights can score, but they struggle to keep teams out of efficient spots and give up too much on the defensive end. Their 2025-26 team numbers included an 81.7 points allowed per game mark, a 27.9 rebounds per game average, and a 115.8 defensive rating. Even with good shooting percentages, that kind of defensive profile makes it hard to slow a deeper Power Five roster in a road setting.
Indiana should control this game from the start and turn its depth, home court, and defensive edge into a comfortable win. Bellarmine can score enough to keep the total from collapsing, but the bigger separator is Indiana’s ability to defend, rebound, and run a deeper rotation without a major drop-off. The projected final score is Indiana Hoosiers 89, Bellarmine Knights 60.
