Indiana basketball strengthens schedule with neutral-site game against Louisville
The Hoosiers will tip off against U of L at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, with the game to be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis and broadcast on CBS. IndyStar understands the meeting will be a one-off, rather than part of a multi-year series.
One of the most active and successful teams in the spring portal window, Louisville looks to build off a 27-win season in Pat Kelsey’s first year in charge. The Cardinals finished tied for second in an admittedly weak ACC, before losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Creighton.
This will be Indiana’s 22nd game all time against Louisville, and its third in the last three years. Kelsey’s team routed IU, 89-61, in an opening-round of last season’s Battle 4 Atlantis.
Louisville now occupies one of the coveted December Saturday slots typically reserved for high-level nonconference matchups in college basketball. IU will travel to Kentucky the following Saturday for the first game in a four-year series renewing that interstate rivalry, with tipoff time to be determined.
A cheerleader from the Indiana Hoosiers waves a flag with Indiana's logo on the court against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Conference Tournament March 9, 2007 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois won 58-54 in overtime.
The Hoosiers’ game with Louisville adds flavor to what will already be a busy Saturday in Indianapolis — the Big Ten football championship game is scheduled for the same day at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Thursday’s announcement formally adds to what is now a sturdy nonconference schedule. The Hoosiers will play Marquette on Nov. 9 in Chicago, in addition to games against the Cardinals (Indianapolis) and Wildcats (Lexington).
IU is also expected to pursue a nonconference home game against a high-major opponent, likely in another one-off setup similar to last year’s visit from South Carolina. Kansas State is understood to be among the possibilities.
Editor's note: This story was updated with time and broadcast information.
