Indiana Outlasts UCLA in Double OT Thriller at Pauley Pavilion
In a game that had everything-momentum swings, clutch buckets, foul trouble, and a finish straight out of a movie script-Indiana edged UCLA 98-97 in double overtime at Pauley Pavilion. It was a gutsy, gritty win for the Hoosiers, who had to dig deep and adapt on the fly in one of college basketball’s most iconic venues.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded, and why it could be a defining moment for Indiana’s season.
1. Chaos, Comebacks, and Clutch Plays: How Indiana Survived the Wild Finish
This wasn’t just a win-it was a test of resilience. Indiana led by 10 with under two minutes to go in regulation, seemingly in full control. But UCLA turned up the pressure, and the Hoosiers unraveled just enough to let the Bruins storm back and force overtime.
Then came the attrition. Conor Enright fouled out, leaving Indiana without a true point guard for the extra periods.
Two more players joined him on the bench with five fouls. Yet somehow, the Hoosiers found answers in the chaos.
Sam Alexis came up huge in the first overtime, scoring with six seconds left to tie it up and keep Indiana alive. And in the second overtime, with the game hanging in the balance, it was freshman Trent Sisley who stepped to the line and calmly sank the go-ahead free throw in the final second. That shot sealed it-barely-but it sealed it.
This was the kind of game that tests a team’s identity. Indiana didn’t just survive-they grew up a little in the process.
2. Dorn and Bailey Deliver Star Turns
Earlier in the season, Indiana’s offense leaned heavily on Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries. But on this night, it was Nick Dorn and Reed Bailey who stole the show and gave the Bruins all they could handle.
Dorn was electric. He scored 26 points and knocked down six threes, stretching the UCLA defense and opening up the floor for everyone else. His confidence shooting the ball gave Indiana a much-needed spark, especially when things started to unravel late.
Bailey was just as impactful. He poured in 24 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-7 shooting from the field and an impressive 12-of-13 at the free throw line. His ability to draw contact and convert under pressure was vital, especially with the Hoosiers in foul trouble and needing steady offense.
When you get that kind of production from players outside your usual go-to guys, it changes the calculus for opposing defenses-and it makes Indiana a far more dangerous team down the stretch.
3. Defensive Identity Shows Up on the Road
Winning on the road in college basketball is never easy, and doing it at a place like Pauley Pavilion? That takes a complete performance. Indiana’s defense was up to the task.
The Hoosiers held UCLA to under 40% shooting for the game, including just 7-of-22 from beyond the arc. That’s the kind of defensive effort that travels-and it’s what allowed Indiana to build that late lead in the first place.
In the second half, the defense was especially sharp, holding the Bruins to just 25 points over the first 18 and a half minutes. But credit to UCLA-they didn’t go quietly. Fueled by full-court pressure and a desperate push, the Bruins exploded for 15 points in the final 90 seconds to force overtime.
Still, Indiana didn’t fold. Even with the momentum swinging wildly and the crowd roaring, the Hoosiers stayed locked in enough to make just enough plays to win.
What’s Next
With the win, Indiana moves to 15-7 overall and 6-5 in conference play. They’ll stay on the West Coast for a Tuesday night matchup against USC-another big test, and another chance to build on this momentum.
If this game taught us anything, it’s that this Indiana team has some fight in it. They’re learning how to win the hard way-and sometimes, that’s the best way to grow.
Final Score: Indiana 98, UCLA 97 (2OT)
Halftime: UCLA 36, Indiana 30
End of Regulation: 76-76
End of First OT: 84-84
Leading Scorers:
- Nick Dorn - 26 points (6 threes)
- Reed Bailey - 24 points (6-7 FG, 12-13 FT)
- Lamar Wilkerson - 24 points
Stay tuned-this team’s story is still being written, and if this game is any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.