In a tough outing at home, Indiana basketball let a 13-point first-half lead slip away against Northwestern, ultimately falling 72-68. This loss casts a shadow on the Hoosiers' NCAA tournament hopes, putting them on shaky ground.
The game against Northwestern was critical. Indiana had just come off heavy defeats to Illinois and Purdue, making this matchup a prime opportunity to regain momentum.
Despite Northwestern's recent struggles, including five consecutive losses, the Hoosiers couldn't capitalize. A late-game drought, where Indiana went over nine minutes without a field goal, proved costly.
The implications of this defeat are significant. As CBS Sports' David Cobb notes, the loss is a blemish on Indiana's resume, impacting their Wins Above Bubble (WAB) ranking, which fell from No. 43 to No.
- Although it's currently a Quad 2 loss, its impact on their tournament chances is undeniable.
ESPN's Joe Lunardi still has Indiana clinging to a spot in the tournament, albeit precariously, suggesting they're in the First Four. However, it's clear that the Hoosiers need to step up to solidify their place.
The upcoming game against No. 13 Michigan State on March 1 offers Indiana a shot at redemption.
A win against a strong opponent like the Spartans could be just what the Hoosiers need to bolster their tournament credentials. With Michigan State facing No.
8 Purdue before their matchup with Indiana, the Hoosiers will have to bring their A-game to seize this opportunity.
Here's a look at Indiana's upcoming schedule:
- Sun., March 1: vs. Michigan State, 3:45 p.m., CBS
- Wed., March 4: vs. Minnesota, 6:30 p.m., BTN
- Sat., March 7: at Ohio State, 5:30 p.m., Fox
- March 10-15: Big Ten Tournament in Chicago
As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial for Indiana. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Hoosiers can turn their fortunes around and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.