For the first time in program history, the Indiana Hoosiers have beaten the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the nation with Saturday’s 74-70 win against Ohio State at Assembly Hall. Unlike Christian Watford’s stunning three-point buzzer-beater against Kentucky on December 10, the Hoosiers’ New Year’s Eve win over the Buckeyes was won on a defensive stand as sophomore Victor Oladipo got a hand in William Buford’s face as the senior took a three-pointer that would have put Ohio State up 73-72.

“I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew (Buford) was going to get the ball,” Oladipo reflected after the game.

Oladipo was a defensive key for the Hoosiers all night, recording three steals. One steal in particular gave the Hoosiers their first lead of the night as the Upper Marlboro, Md. native stripped Aaron Craft at mid-court, resulting in a dunk that put Indiana ahead 33-32 in the final minute of the first half.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever heard it louder than when Victor got the steal at the end of the first half and took it in for the dunk. It was incredible,” Tom Crean said of Oladipo’s slam.

HULLS, ZELLER RESPOND AFTER STRUGGLE IN EAST LANSING

After combining for eight points in Wednesday’s loss at Michigan State, freshman center Cody Zeller and junior point guard Jordan Hulls responded by contributing heavily in Indiana’s upset over Ohio State. Hulls’s confidence was restored early in the first half when the junior knocked down a three-pointer in transition to pull the Hoosiers within two of the Buckeyes. The Bloomington native finished with 17 points on the evening to help the Hoosiers to victory.

Tom Crean credited Hulls’ bounce back with the guard’s desire and relentless work ethic.

“When the bus got back here Wednesday night, (Jordan) went straight to the gym. When I heard that, I wasn’t surprised. He’s got a ton of moxie. He’s got a lot of desire. He made some major league plays tonight.”

Zeller gave preseason All-American Jared Sullinger trouble inside, drawing two early fouls on the Ohio State big man in the first half. Though the freshman eventually got into foul trouble himself, Zeller finished with 14 points and four rebounds.

“(Cody) is a very quick learner. Cody has watched a lot of game tape because we have no restrictions on watching film due to Christmas break. I think Cody is seeing where he can be better and he is applying it. We can expect this learning from Cody because he wants to be very good and he wants his teammates to be successful too. He knew he had to play at a high level around the basket tonight and use his lower body in order for us to win tonight.”

NO STUDENTS, NO PROBLEM

With most IU students home for spring break, some wondered how much of a homecourt advantage Indiana would have over Ohio State. However, as Hoosier Nation proved, Assembly Hall continues to be a headache for opposing teams, even without a student presence.

“(The fans) were responsible not only for some baskets, but for some stops,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said after the win. “Our fans, the supporters, the people that have been a part of this program; they’re as much of a part of this victory as anybody else.”

Fans will get another chance to see the Hoosiers take on a ranked opponent at home this week as IU welcomes No. 16 Michigan Thursday at 9:00 P.M. EST.

Photo credit: Mike Dickbernd/IUAthletics