Indiana plays its first NCAA tournament game since 2008 today against New Mexico State.

For the Hoosiers, it will be interesting to see how the team handles the nerves of a new situation in a far off destination.

IU has plenty of big-game experience this season, with wins against Kentucky, Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. Those wins will help from a confidence standpoint.

IU spent Wednesday comparing the Aggies to Michigan State in terms of the rebounding. New Mexico State is third in the country in rebounding margin (plus 8.7). Indiana is ranked No. 47 in the same category (plus 4.3).

The Aggies also find a way to get to the foul line. New Mexico State is averaging 29.9 free-throw attempts a game.

Obviously avoiding foul trouble is a key for the Hoosiers, particularly forwards Cody Zeller and Christian Watford. Watford has provided a lift with his rebounding, collecting double-doubles in three of the last four games.

But I think one area to look for will be IU's outside shooting. The Hoosiers only attempted six three pointers in the Big Ten quarterfinal loss to Wisconsin.

Both teams can score. The Aggies rank No. 11 in the nation in scoring offense (78.5 points per game). The Hoosiers rank No. 19 (77.3). So the potential is there for a lot of points.

Which team will win?

I will give the edge to IU. If the Hoosiers can adjust to the different shooting backdrop, the team's three-point accuracy could be the difference.