In a must-win scenario, the Indiana Hoosiers stumbled against the Northwestern Wildcats, falling 74-61 in the Big Ten Tournament. The Wildcats, seeded 15th, took control in the second half, leaving the 10th-seeded Hoosiers to head back to Bloomington with another missed opportunity.
Despite being favored by six points according to DraftKings Sportsbook, Indiana couldn't find their rhythm in the second half, suffering a loss that puts their NCAA Tournament dreams in jeopardy.
Earlier in the day, ESPN's Joe Lunardi had Indiana in the "Last Four In" category of his bracketology projections. Coach Darian DeVries' team needed a strong performance in the tournament to solidify their resume, but their one-and-done showing in Chicago has left their tournament hopes hanging by a thread.
The Hoosiers managed just two field goals halfway through the second half, turning the ball over 11 times, which Northwestern converted into 12 points. Struggles at the free throw line also plagued them, hitting only 68% with a 15-for-22 performance.
Even with Northwestern's junior forward Arterrin Page sidelined, Indiana couldn't capitalize. Page, the Wildcats' second-leading scorer and a formidable defensive presence, was missed, but the Hoosiers still found themselves outscored 34-24 in the paint. Freshman Jake West stepped up for Northwestern, scoring 18 points, while Nick Martinelli led with 28.
Indiana has now dropped six of their last seven games, including two losses to Northwestern. The Wildcats have claimed victory in their last seven encounters with the Hoosiers.
With no further chances to improve their resume, Indiana must now hope other bubble teams falter in their conference tournaments as Selection Sunday approaches.