Syracuse vs. Indiana Thurs. March 28, 2025 9:45 p.m. ET

One of the most anticipated matchups of the Sweet 16 on Thursday will be the Syracuse Orange going head-to-head against the number one seeded Indiana Hoosiers.

Throughout most of the season, the Hoosiers have been the team to beat in college basketball. Although many different teams shared at the No. 1 spot in the country, Indiana may have been the only true No. 1.

Coming into this showdown between two of the best teams in the country, the matchup to watch will be Cody Zeller and Baye Moussa Keita battling it out in the paint. Both players are very talented and potentially NBA bound, but only one can come out on top on Thursday with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Zeller may have the edge in this matchup averaging a team-leading 16.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Zeller may very well be the team’s go-to guy this week and the key to Indiana’s success moving forward.

As for the Orangemen, forward C.J. Fair will be another player to pay attention to. Fair is currently averaging 14.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and is bound to be a factor in the outcome of this game.

In the win over California, Fair finished with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals basically keeping on par with his season averages.

As of right now, Indiana is favored to come out on top on Thursday night and advance to the next round with a -5.5 point spread. Even though Syracuse will be formidable opponent for the number one seeded Indiana squad, the Hoosiers will likely come out with the win and cover the spread.

Take Indiana at -5.5.

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