BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana basketball will sport a new look tonight when the Hoosiers open exhibition play against Grace College.

Five of the six IU freshmen will play, as will transfer Jeremiah Rivers. Sophomore guard Matt Roth will look different, too.

Roth broke his nose in practice last week and will wear a mask. He has worn it in practice and said it feels odd.

“It’s a little bit uncomfortable, but it’s something that you learn to play with,” Roth said.

Teammates Daniel Moore and Brett Finkelmeier wore masks last season.

“I actually told him not to put the bottom strap on so tight because it’s hard to turn your head. It’s real tight on the back of your neck,” Finkelmeier said. "Besides that, I just told him that whenever you’re not in the action to try and un-strap it and let some air get in there.

“Put it this way, the mask is no fun. It’s hot and it’s always kind of in your peripheral vision. Plus, you’re a little afraid to get hit in the nose again.”

Roth might not be looking forward to playing with the mask, but he’s excited about the possibilities for this team, particularly the freshmen. The group includes Jordan Hulls, Maurice Creek, Christian Watford, Derek Elston and Bobby Capobianco. A sixth freshman, Bawa Muniru, is still waiting to be cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

“I think people will see a completely different team than they saw a year ago,” Roth said. “They’ll see a team that can get up and down the court as well as defend and move the ball around the floor and get the best shots. We’re just different than we were a year ago and I think a lot of people are getting excited about that.”

IU coach Tom Crean said the Hoosiers are expected to be without senior guard Devan Dumes (knee) and junior guard Finkelmeier (ankle).

“Devan has done some shooting, but nothing to make me think he’s going to be able to play (Wednesday),” Crean said.

Roth and Rivers (concussion) practiced the past two days and are expected to play.