Hoosiers to take on Big Ten’s finest

The No. 39 IU men’s tennis team is set to take on No. 2 Ohio State on Wednesday, the first of three Big Ten matches in a five-day span for the Hoosiers.\nSix of the 11 Big Ten conference teams are ranked in the top 50 nationally, including No. 35 Wisconsin, whom the Hoosiers will face this weekend.\n“Every Big Ten match is a real battle,” senior Dara McLoughlin said.\nIU (12-4, 2-1) holds the advantage in the all-time series against the Buckeyes (20-1, 3-0), having won 41 of 71 matches. Ohio State has won 29 consecutive Big Ten matches and is 14-1 this season \nagainst teams that are nationally ranked.\n“The most difficult thing about facing the Buckeyes is that they are a great all-around team,” senior Michael McCarthy said. “They have no real weaknesses and they \nhave a reputation for being a tough team.”\nThe Hoosiers will face five individual opponents this week who are all ranked in the top 100 nationally, three of whom will be donning a Buckeye uniform. Senior Thomas Richter, likely to face off with Ohio State’s No. 24 Bryan Koniecko, is 3-2 this season against ranked opponents. His most recent victory was over Louisville’s No. 41 Austen Childs in a straight set victory 7-6, 6-3.\nIU has won 14 of 16 doubles points in match play this season. Similarly, the Buckeyes have dropped only two doubles contests in their 21 matches this season. Earning the doubles point would provide a big confidence boost for the Hoosiers, and an early lead.\n“Our biggest task right now is to break down psychological