BLOOMINGTON -- Armon Bassett isn't about to flinch. He's worked too hard. He believes in himself too much.

Foul Indiana's sophomore guard late in the game, put him on the free-throw line, and pay the price.

Illinois paid Thursday night -- Bassett was 8-for-8 from the line in the final second overtime session -- and if the same opportunity comes at Ohio State today, look out.

“I don't get nervous at the free-throw line,” Bassett said. “With D.J. (White) and EJ (Eric Gordon) doing most of the big-play stuff, hitting free throws is one of the things I can do to help the team.”

The No. 14 Hoosiers need more of such help as they brace for a four-game run that ends with No. 8 Wisconsin, No. 11 Michigan State and No. 24 Purdue. Bassett has been to the line in only two of the last 10 games (he's 10-for-10 in that stretch). He's shooting 87.1 percent for the season.

“We want him with the ball at the end of games,” coach Kelvin Sampson said.

The Hoosiers' double-overtime win at Illinois was a huge boost for a team coming off three straight shaky performances, although their confidence was never shaken, Bassett said.

“This team is confident. Our top players have a lot of confidence. They play with a lot of swagger.”

The result is a 19-3 overall record and an 8-1 Big Ten mark.

“The way we pulled it out (against Illinois) is a big step for us,” Bassett said. “Now we're looking forward to competing with Ohio State.”

IU senior guard A.J. Ratliff's status remains uncertain. He missed the Illinois victory to deal with personal matters. Sampson said he doesn't know if Ratliff will play Sunday.

“It's totally up to him,” Sampson said. “He's just dealing with some stuff. He gets to his senior year and if the kid didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck.”

The Buckeyes are making this game a big deal with a “White Out The Hoosiers” promotion to get fans to wear white and twirl white towels that will be provided. Also, their 1968 Final Four team will be honored before the game.

Ohio State (16-7 overall, 7-3 in the Big Ten) starts two freshmen and a sophomore. That youth has contributed to inconsistency and a lack of awareness that wasn't present on last year's freshman-dominated team.

Those Buckeyes, with Greg Oden and Mike Conley leading the way, won the Big Ten championship and reached the national title game. This freshman group, led by 7-foot center Kosta Koufos and guard Evan Turner, isn't as polished.

“Have there ever been three freshmen (Daequan Cook was the other one) drafted in the top 21 from one program before?” coach Thad Matta asked. “I assume the answer is no. Comparisons will be there, but it's two different groups.

“This team is working to see the flow of what's developing, that feel that, 'this is about to happen, so get into position.' The maturing process takes time. Guys are making strides.”

Making the most strides is Jamar Butler. The senior guard leads the team in scoring (14.8) and ranks third nationally in free-throw shooting at 93 percent.

Matta needs one victory to reach 200 for his career. He's three away from winning 100 with the Buckeyes. He's won at least 20 games in his previous eight seasons -- 77 in his last 2 ½ years.

Indiana at Ohio State
Sunday
Tipoff: 1 p.m.
TV: CBS
Records: Indiana 18-3, 7-1. Ohio State 16-7, 7-3.
Series: Indiana 99-72

Indiana
Player*Ht*Pos*PPG
Eric Gordon*6-4*G*21.5
Jamarcus Ellis*6-5*G*7.6
Armon Bassett*6-1*G*10.6
Lance Stemler*6-8*F*5.1
D.J. White*6-7*F*17.1

Ohio State
Player*Ht*Pos*PPG
David Lighty*6-5*G*9.5
Evan Turner*6-6*G*7.8
Jamar Butler*6-1*G*14.8
Othello Hunter*6-8*F*9.5
Kosta Koufos*7-0*C*13.3

The pick: Indiana 64, Ohio State 63

-- By Pete DiPrimio of The News-Sentinel